New Welfare Party (YRP) Chairman Fatih Erbakan evaluated his party's stance on the debates surrounding education in the mother tongue during a statement in Diyarbakır. Erbakan stated that if they come to power, they will resolve the "issue of education in the mother tongue."
Erbakan participated in a press statement organized by various non-governmental organizations in front of the Diyarbakır Grand Mosque, protesting Azerbaijan's declaration of 31 Turkish citizens as "persona non grata." Responding to journalists' questions after visiting local shopkeepers, Erbakan was also asked about the "Kurdish issue" and the debates regarding Article 66 of the Constitution.
Stating that he would share his party's views if a debate on Article 66 of the Constitution were to be opened, Erbakan noted that the ruling party and other parties have not yet presented a clear approach on this matter.
If a debate regarding Article 66 is to be opened, we intend to say what is necessary then. After hearing their thoughts, we will consider making a comment.
Erbakan also referred to the approach of Milli Görüş leader Necmettin Erbakan toward the people of the region, expressing that the interest shown in Diyarbakır is linked to this history. He said they are in the region to "embrace all 86 million" without making distinctions based on race or sect.
Regarding Kurdish and education in the mother tongue, Erbakan stated that the right to education and the right to speak one's mother tongue cannot be obstructed, noting that they had expressed this approach during his contacts in Van last week as well.
We have stated that as the New Welfare Party, when we come to power, we will definitely resolve the issue of education in the mother tongue.
Erbakan said that the solution could come through private schools or steps taken by the state. Stating that the matter could be planned by experts and the Ministry of National Education, Erbakan emphasized that what is important is the "intent."
Summarizing his party's stance as "the use, preservation, and teaching of the mother tongue, and allowing education in the mother tongue if there is a demand," Erbakan stated that this is a natural, inherent right.
News Source: 12punto
