AK Party Spokesperson Çelik Discusses Provocateurs’ Desire for Attacks in CNN TÜRK Interview
Turkey Calls for Peaceful Elections Amidst Violence
As Turkey gears up for its presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24, Minister of Justice and spokesperson for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Ömer Çelik, has called for peaceful elections. In a recent statement, Çelik condemned any attempt at violence and rejected any kind of attack. He emphasized that Turkey has made difficult choices in the past and that Turkey’s election experience is high. He also referenced a statement from opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, urging citizens not to go out on the street on election night, as it would be a big event. Çelik expressed concern over attacks on several party offices and vehicles across the country, stating that Turkey wants to experience a “feast of democracy”.
Çelik also emphasized the need for a red line to be drawn between the opposition and the pro-terrorist organizations that have voiced support for them. He called on Kılıçdaroğlu to take a stance against such support and create a clear distinction between his political party and terrorist groups.
Along with the election process, Turkey is also fighting terrorism, making it a key issue in the elections. As the summit in Moscow approaches, Çelik urged that Turkey cannot stop fighting terrorism and emphasized the importance of the return process of Syrian refugees.
Additionally, he criticized the Western media for their coverage of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stating that they had previously published negative headlines about him but have recently started to publish more favorable headlines due to Erdoğan’s leadership in a grain deal. He attributed this to Western interests and their desire for Turkey to withdraw from Syria and surrender to Greek theses in the Blue Homeland.
Finally, Çelik commented on the government’s business and criticized the opposition for lacking a coherent plan or policy. He stated that their coalition is not a coalition at all and questioned how decisions would be made with so many differing opinions and personal ambitions.
Amidst all the chaos and violence, Turkey is hoping for a peaceful, democratic election with high voter turnout.
