Vice President Yılmaz speaks on the investigation into Ferdi Zeyrek's death: 'I do not want to speculate'

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz answered questions about current issues in an exclusive interview on tv100. Regarding when the terrorist organization PKK will lay down its arms, Yılmaz stated, "It is not easy to give an exact calendar. It is a process that should happen as soon as possible."

Speaking about the death of Manisa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek, Yılmaz said the following:

"During my visit to Manisa before the local elections, he came up to me while I was sitting with citizens after Friday prayers and introduced himself. He said he was the CHP candidate and told me, ‘You are also our Vice President. Welcome to Manisa.' He had a very warm approach. I have such a memory with him. May God have mercy on him, may he rest in peace. I spoke with his wife today, and I also spoke with CHP Chairman Mr. Özgür Özel. I have conveyed my condolences to both of them once again. It is a very great pain, of course, and we all share this pain.

'WE ARE WAITING FOR THE RESULT OF THE INVESTIGATION'

As for the investigation, I do not want to speculate. We are all waiting for the result of the investigation. I think it is useful to avoid hasty comments on these matters. I wish patience to his children and family."

THE 'TERROR-FREE TURKEY' PROCESS

Giving important messages regarding the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process, Yılmaz said, "This is an important success of the Republic of Turkey. I once again express my gratitude to our martyrs, the relatives of our martyrs, our veterans, and the relatives of our veterans. We have reached this point through their sacrifices. This process also came to the agenda with the Turkey Century vision put forward by our President. Our region is one of the most strategic and critical regions. Internal peace is extremely important to avoid falling into various traps in our region."

'WE HAVE ENTERED A VERY IMPORTANT PERIOD'

Vice President Yılmaz continued his words as follows:

"We have now entered a very important period. Turkey will now have entered a very different atmosphere. Terrorism will be removed from the agenda completely and permanently. Terrorism is the enemy of development and democracy. Where there is terrorism, you have no freedom, you cannot exercise your basic rights. An environment without terrorism creates a very different atmosphere.

Terrorism also has huge financial costs. Calculations are also made with different assumptions. According to some recent calculations, there are cost estimates of up to 2 trillion dollars. This is also a very important development issue. Just like the damage of terrorism, its disappearance also has serious benefits. The long-unused potential of the East and Southeast will be activated."

IS THERE A CLEAR DATE FOR LAYING DOWN ARMS?

In response to a question about when the terrorist organization PKK will lay down its arms, Yılmaz replied, "It is not easy to give an exact calendar in this process. It is a process that should happen as soon as possible. There may be those who want to provoke, and there may be those who want to confuse the citizens. Therefore, it is essential that this happens as soon as possible. On the other hand, as a public, we must be very vigilant against these provocations and disinformation. We have painful experiences in this regard. The most important element in these matters is the completion of this process in a short time."

NEW CONSTITUTION EFFORTS

Regarding the new Constitution efforts, Yılmaz spoke as follows:

"First of all, we must establish this. Our current constitution is a coup constitution. Turkey has entered the 2nd century of the republic. On the other hand, we are a country that has liquidated tutelage with July 15. The date when civil authority became completely dominant emerged much more clearly after July 15. Turkey is no longer the old Turkey. Turkey must get rid of this shame of a coup constitution and a civil constitution must be made. This is an issue above parties. A civil and libertarian constitution suits Turkey. The new constitution will also be with common sense and conscience. Those who try to pull this to different places with various excuses are also doing an injustice to Turkey. What they need to do is to put forward the issues they do not accept and to mature these matters with common sense and negotiation."

DISCUSSIONS REGARDING THE EXECUTION REGULATION

Responding to criticisms regarding the execution regulation, Yılmaz said, "It is useful to remind again what the current execution regulation brings. There are important changes in the execution regulation that will eliminate the perception of impunity in society. Apart from this, there are remedial regulations in this regulation for women, children, the elderly, and the sick. The Covid regulation is a separate heading. During the Covid period, some regulatory needs arose. There is an argument here. For example, 2 people commit a crime on the same date. One's sentence is determined earlier. Those whose sentences were determined earlier benefited from the Covid laws. Those who committed crimes on the same date and whose decision process was prolonged could not benefit from this. Issues regarding this matter are at the discretion of our Parliament in the coming period."

SINGLE-DIGIT TARGET IN INFLATION

Stating that the decline in inflation can be clearly seen in the figures, Yılmaz noted that for the end of the year, figures in the 20s, next year figures in the 10s, and the following year single digits could be discussed, and that the citizens would feel this relief more clearly.

Yılmaz expressed the following:

"The annual inflation rate, which was 75.5 in May of last year, fell to 35.4 as of May this year. In other words, there is an improvement of over 40 points. This annual rate has been falling for 12 consecutive months. A figure like 1.5 came out most recently. This is a success of our MTP (Medium Term Program). We expect this trend to continue in the next 6-month period, and we aim to talk about figures in the 20s by the end of the year. We aim to reach figures in the 10s next year and single digits the following year.

The goal is not deceptive, but a permanent increase in prosperity. No matter which indicator you look at, the Turkish economy is increasing its stability, developing a healthy growth structure, and getting closer to these goals every year."

News Source: 12punto