Message from Bahçeli for Sırrı Süreyya Önder

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has released a condolence statement for the late Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and DEM Party Istanbul MP, Mr. Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who passed away today.

Bahçeli stated, "It is my belief that the manifestation of a Turkey without terrorism will be a spiritual gift to the late Önder and an eternal service to our national unity and brotherhood."

The full text of the MHP leader's statement is as follows:

"We have unfortunately lost Mr. Sırrı Süreyya Önder, the Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and DEM Party Istanbul MP, who combined and brought together art and politics in his person, and who was deserving of respect and affection in the eyes of the public with his simple life and common-sense character.

I am truly very saddened. Even though we held different worldviews, we were both focused on the peaceful and tranquil future of the same country. It is my belief that the manifestation of a Turkey without terrorism will be a spiritual gift to the late Önder and an eternal service to our national unity and brotherhood. I pray for God's mercy upon my brother Sırrı, and I wish for Him to reward him with His paradise, His countenance, and His compassion. I extend my condolences to his grieving family, the DEM Party community, his loved ones, his voters, and, of course, to all of us."