ANKARA – President and AKP Chair Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the process has reached a new “crossroad,” emphasizing, “We highly value listening to all parties, even if dissenting or different opinions are expressed.”

 

Erdoğan spoke at his party’s group meeting, addressing recent developments including the parliamentary mandate to send troops to Iraq and Syria: “Despite objections from the main opposition, it was accepted with a broad alliance. We have no eyes on another country’s land, underground, or surface resources. Our soldiers have been guarantors of peace wherever they are present. They will continue to defend peace and brotherhood. We will continue to give confidence to our friends for many years to come.”

 

‘WE HAVE REACHED A NEW CROSSROAD IN THE PROCESS’

 

Regarding the Peace and Democratic Society Process, Erdoğan conveyed a message of resilience: “We will not be provoked. In the past two weeks, significant developments occurred. We welcomed Ms. Buldan and Mr. Sancar to the Presidential Complex for constructive talks and confirmed that we share similar concerns. In the pursuit of a ‘Turkey without terror,’ we have reached a new crossroad. Everyone must put their hand on the wheel. The National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission has been successfully fulfilling its mission since its establishment on August 5. Under the commission’s umbrella, it is highly valuable that all issues regarding the process are discussed, all relevant parties are heard without exclusion, and even dissenting opinions are expressed. With the guidance of the Speaker, the commission has filled an important gap and created a strong knowledge base to guide decision-makers.”

 

RELEASE OF DEMIRTAS

 

Addressing questions after the AKP group meeting regarding Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Bahçeli’s remark that Selahattin Demirtaş’s release “would be beneficial,” Erdoğan said: “This is a country of law. We will abide by whatever the judiciary decides on this matter.”

 

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç also commented on the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) Grand Chamber ruling concerning Demirtaş: “There was a decision by the 22nd High Criminal Court in Ankara related to the Kobani Case, in which detention has continued since 2019. The appeals process is ongoing. In the application to the ECtHR regarding detention conditions and ‘security’ rights, a violation ruling was given. The request for a Grand Chamber hearing was not accepted, making the decision final in this respect. The case will be evaluated by the Ankara Regional Court of Appeal 22nd Criminal Chamber or if relevant parties appeal. We must wait for the court’s assessment.”