Erbakan's 'peace process' message: The families of the martyrs will decide

Yeniden Refah Party Chairman Fatih Erbakan made notable remarks in Trabzon, where he arrived for his party's 3rd Ordinary Provincial Congress. Speaking at the congress held at the Hamamizade İhsan Bey Cultural Center, Erbakan stated that they want Turkey to be a country free of terrorism, where brotherhood and peace prevail, more than anyone else.

"WE ARE ABSOLUTELY AGAINST BARGAINING WITH TERRORISM"

In his speech, Erbakan said, "We are absolutely against taking steps that would concede to the terrorist organization, and we are against entering into negotiations with the terrorist organization." He noted that while state officials have given verbal assurances that there would be no such initiatives, there have been disturbing developments recently suggesting that some circles are in contact with the PKK.

"ONLY THE FAMILIES OF THE MARTYRS HAVE A SAY REGARDING ÖCALAN"

Reacting to the recent emergence of demands such as the release of terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan or granting him "rights," Erbakan emphasized that neither they nor those governing the state could make such a decision. Erbakan said, "If a decision is to be made on this matter, it belongs solely and exclusively to the families of the martyrs. No one other than the families of the martyrs can have a say in such a matter."

"THIS IS A REQUIREMENT OF JUSTICE AND OUR FAITH"

Concluding his speech by stating that this stance is a requirement of both justice and their faith, Fatih Erbakan reiterated his opposition, saying, "As the Yeniden Refah Party, we declare once again and very clearly that we are against such a thing."