Discomfort with Hakan Fidan in DEM Party: They declared him 'anti-process'

DEM Party's Ayşegül Doğan answered questions from journalists following a press conference.

When asked about the remarks made by President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the 24th anniversary of the AKP's founding—where he said, "As the AK Party, we have been on the political stage for 24 years; we are on a long-term, blessed march. Names change, titles change, but our blessed march will hopefully continue in the same direction. We have been here for 24 years, and we will be here for many more years, God willing. With our trained staff, as long as God grants us life and strength, we will continue to serve Turkey and our nation for many more years. We will show everyone that it will not end until we say it is over"—which were perceived as a statement regarding a potential re-candidacy, Doğan responded as follows:

"THERE IS NO ELECTION ON TURKEY'S AGENDA"

"There is neither an election on Turkey's agenda, nor is there any issue related to an election agenda; therefore, since there is no such agenda, we are not evaluating this in terms of candidacy."

When asked, "Following the operations against CHP-run municipalities, what would be the DEM Party's stance if the CHP were to take a position like 'we will walk away from the table'?", Doğan replied with the following words:

"THIS COMMISSION IS VALUABLE FOR ELIMINATING OPERATIONS AGAINST THE CHP"

"We do not know if such a possibility exists, but as far as we can see, there is no such possibility. We would not want there to be. We have been saying for months why the CHP needs to be there. We find the role of the main opposition party and its contributions to being a driving, positive, and socializing force very valuable. Instead of making such an assessment, this commission is already valuable for the CHP and other political parties to participate more effectively in its work, for it to finish within the foreseen time, for legal regulations to be made, and to eliminate operations against the CHP, trustee appointments, and the possibility of interference in the voter's will; it should live up to its name, ensure equal brotherhood, and establish justice. What we need is not to withdraw from the table or the commission, but to strengthen it. We think the CHP approaches it this way as well. Our hope is in this direction."

A DIG AT HAKAN FİDAN REGARDING 'ANTI-PROCESS' STANCE

When asked about the remarks made by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh the previous day, where he said, "My call to the YPG leadership is: engage in positive engagement with the Damascus administration, do your best to build the future of Syria together, and stop being a threat to yourselves with a ton of terrorists you have gathered from around the world," DEM Party's Doğan stated, "Our Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan also expressed this. He said, 'As far as I know, Foreign Minister Fidan is not in the Syrian Cabinet,'" and made the following assessment:

"From time to time, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan makes statements that make us ask the question: 'Is he in the Syrian Cabinet?' 'From time to time' might be an understatement because he has started doing it very frequently.

We must regretfully state that Hakan Fidan's language is not appropriate to the rhythm or tone of the process. The Foreign Minister is not using a language suitable for the process. Please look at the Foreign Minister's statements since the beginning of the process. Look at the language he uses, his constantly threatening approach... Especially the position he takes on the Syrian issue, the distance he puts, and the closeness he establishes with whom... I would also like to draw attention to the language he used at the joint press conference.

We think Hakan Fidan prefers to engage in demagoguery. This imperious language only strengthens the hands of those who are against the process. We are, of course, calling on him to abandon this language; we need a language that seeks solutions and calm.

Moreover, Hakan Fidan is someone who knows this subject very well. Therefore, if he chooses such a language, we assume he also knows the possibility that this language could strengthen the hands of those against the process.

The approach of someone who is knowledgeable about the issue and the region cannot be accepted as just any approach.

I would also like to remind Mr. Fidan of this:

We suggest that he update himself to better serve his political line. It would be more beneficial if he keeps the political update option open. He should update his language and himself."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke at a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh, who was visiting Ankara.

Fidan responded to a question regarding how the SDF's failure to lay down arms and the inability to implement the integration agreement signed on March 10 have affected the ongoing "Turkey Without Terror" process in Turkey.

"They say, 'The agreement we made with Syria does not bind us much in terms of the articles written in this agreement.' Secondly, they say, 'The process going on in Turkey does not concern us either.' Well, what does concern you? Does making the dear Kurdish brothers of the region a pawn of Israel concern you?" Fidan asked, and continued:

"You must end this policy now; someone from the region will come and ensure the continuity of your organization, and this will not only result in the detriment of the Kurds but will affect all of Syria. Do you want to continue with such a strategy? There are developments that we are finding it difficult to tolerate anymore. We currently see that organization members coming from Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Europe are not leaving Syria. Since March 10 and the process ongoing in Turkey, we do not see any confidence-building development by the organization in Syria. On the contrary, we see that they are waiting for all processes, both in Damascus and Ankara, to maximize their benefit in case of a possible problem. Let them not think that we do not see this; we see it."

Fidan said, "Both Damascus and Ankara are in great good faith. The issue is to seek an equation where there is no armed threat to anyone, and where everyone's rights, laws, beliefs, culture, and identity can be protected. There is a will here that is truly trying to do something through peace and reconciliation. This is a historical will. They need to use it. We are following this closely. I hope they understand this."

"The special representative appointed by the new US administration, Mr. Tom Barrack, also has positive efforts and endeavors at this point. There is an ongoing process there, especially for the YPG and SDF to enter into a process of integration with the Syrian administration in peace. We see this process as a constructive one," the Foreign Minister added, "We may have some detailed problems, but we have always looked at the big and strategic picture. Therefore, we support the work in this direction. The YPG leadership cadres must also stop the policy of playing for time. The chaos they are waiting for will not happen, and even if it did, the result they want will never emerge. They must stop mortgaging the future of our Kurdish brothers," he added.

"There is a new era and a new spirit in the region; there is a new era and spirit in Turkey. One must benefit from these. Excuse me, no one is a fool, we are not fools. We are not failing to see the cunning you are displaying there just because we are investing good faith in these processes. There is a rule to being a great state and serving a great purpose; we are just doing that. We are warning you, we are calling on you; change where you stand. Think about how you will build Syria together," Fidan said, and continued:

"Turkey is not after occupation and domination in the region. But in an environment where Turkey's security concerns are not satisfied, there is no way for us to remain at ease here. Our number one political reflex is peace, reconciliation, and good faith; we will not be on the side of being deceived on this issue. My call to the YPG leadership is: engage in positive engagement with the Damascus administration, do your best to build the future of Syria together, and stop being a threat to yourselves with a ton of terrorists you have gathered from around the world."