EMEP Chairman Seyit Aslan reacts to the decision to send troops to Saudi Arabia

Labor Party (EMEP) Chairman Seyit Aslan has reacted to Turkey's decision to send troops to Saudi Arabia. In a written statement, Aslan argued that the decision would make Turkey a direct party to regional tensions.

Aslan stated that on the day a large-scale military operation was launched against the Houthis in Yemen, the Mecca Defense Alliance Committee, which met in an extraordinary session in the Saudi capital Riyadh, announced that Turkish and Pakistani troops would be deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of a "joint defense commitment."

Claiming that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was never brought to the agenda of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and was not approved by Parliament, Aslan stated that the decision to send troops despite this is "unlawful."

Aslan argued that the alliance in question is aligned with the regional interests of the US, and asserted that the decision would make Turkey a party and a target in the regional tension between Iran and the US.

All military units outside the country must be withdrawn, and cross-border troop deployments must be prohibited. Relations with other countries, especially neighboring countries, should be developed on the basis of respect for national independence and sovereignty, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, peace, and friendship.

Criticizing the government's foreign policy in his statement, Aslan claimed that sending troops to Saudi Arabia would make Turkey an open target for Iran. Aslan also cited Iran's previous missile targeting of Gulf countries that allowed the US to use their bases as an example of potential risks.

Using the phrase, "We call on all workers and laborers, and forces of labor and democracy, to struggle against this decision," Aslan demanded that all international agreements made on behalf of Turkey, especially the Mecca Defense Agreement, be disclosed in full.

The EMEP Chairman also argued that foreign military bases in the country should be closed and that Turkey should withdraw from NATO.