Statement on July 15 from AKP's Ensarioğlu: 'We saved the country in the War of Independence, but true independence...'

AKP Diyarbakır MP Galip Ensarioğlu stated during a speech at the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day commemoration program held in Diyarbakır that Turkey achieved its "true independence" following the coup attempt.

Speaking at a dinner program held for the families of martyrs and veterans, Ensarioğlu described the struggle against the July 15 coup attempt as the greatest struggle since the War of Independence.

Ensarioğlu used the expressions, "We founded and saved this country in the War of Independence, but this country achieved its independence after July 15. It achieved its true independence after July 15."

Arguing that "foci of betrayal" within the state were purged following the coup attempt, Ensarioğlu claimed that July 15 was a process that resulted in heavy costs for Turkey but also created an "opportunity."

"The coup attempt that day, although we gave so many martyrs, paid such a price, and experienced a great danger, was a great opportunity for us to achieve our independence."

In his speech, Ensarioğlu stated that Turkey "evolved into a completely different place" following the coup attempt, arguing that the country now has more of a say in the world.

Claiming that Turkey has established a sphere of influence extending from the Caucasus to the Balkans and from Africa to the Middle East, Ensarioğlu stated that the country has become a beacon of hope not only for its own citizens but for "all oppressed states and nations."

Ensarioğlu also said that Turkey would move to a different stage with the success of the "terror-free Turkey" process and the strengthening of unity within the country.