Another comment on the Rome trip comes from Özgür Özel! 'For Istanbul'

Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel participated in a program hosted by TGRT Haber Ankara Representative Fatih Atik. He made a statement regarding Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu's 'Rome' trip. 

Speaking to Atik, Özel said the following: 

"İmamoğlu did not take journalists to his hometown for PR. If he had gathered journalists and taken them to his hometown, done PR for himself, or done something for the party, this money spent would be criticized. But they are doing something for Istanbul, for Turkey. Actually, this is for the signing of a protocol for the European Games, but at the same time, it is a major lobbying effort for the Olympics. One should view this matter in this light. They are trying to contribute to the brand value of Istanbul and Turkey."

"LOBBYING ACTIVITY"

Stating that the fact that journalists were taken by the municipality to ensure high participation should not be seen as strange, Özel said, "If participation were to drop, covering these expenses under today's conditions is understandable because it is a lobbying activity for Istanbul and Turkey. I hope we can reach days in Turkey where newspapers cover their own expenses and journalists can say, 'If my organization doesn't cover it, I won't follow this trip.'"

Stating that Presidential Chief of Staff Hasan Doğan informed the CHP regarding the pardon of the remaining sentences of the generals convicted in the February 28 case, Özel said, "I attached great importance to the information-sharing part. I thanked Hasan Doğan. It is a polite gesture. I want it to be known that the dialogue between the two sides is yielding results," he said, expressing his thanks. 

OSMAN KAVALA

Expressing that his second expectation following the February 28 pardon decision is the release of Osman Kavala, Özel said, "Initiatives can be taken on this matter, or the judiciary can be allowed to make normal decisions. There is talk of something like 'reversal for the benefit of the law' at the Ministry of Justice. If such a step is taken and we are informed about it, I will not refrain from thanking both the President and everyone who contributes to it," he said. 

News Source: 12punto