President Erdoğan on CNN TÜRK and Kanal D joint broadcast
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made remarks and answered questions on current issues in a joint interview with CNN TÜRK and Kanal D.
During the interview, held at the Presidential Pavilion at Yıldız Palace in Istanbul, President Erdoğan made remarks on relations with the U.S, the latest developments in Syria, Turkey’s membership process to the European Union and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
RELATIONS WITH THE U.S.
Asked about his latest phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, President Erdoğan said they usually have positive talks, and that during the recent phone call he also had a positive talk with the U.S. President on Syria. Recalling that Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar is in Washington to hold meetings on this issue, President Erdoğan, drawing attention to the importance of the diplomacy between the leaders, noted that he got an invitation from U.S. President Trump in this sense. With regard to the extradition of Fetullah Gülen, the ringleader of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization, President Erdoğan said that they have sent all the documents and information they have obtained to the U.S.
“A POTENTIAL SAFE ZONE ON TURKEY’S BORDER SHOULD BE UNDER TURKEY’S CONTROL”
Mentioning the issue of a safe zone in Syria, President Erdoğan pointed out that a potential safe zone on Turkey’s border should be under Turkey’s control, adding that it is only Turkey that can install peace and stability along its borders. Underlining that it is of great importance that the U.S. withdrawal decision from Syria not lead on to developments against the interests of all parties, Syria’s territorial integrity and political unity, President Erdoğan noted that the parties should also agree on Syria’s territorial integrity.
“UNDER THE ADANA AGREEMENT WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHASE DOWN TERRORISTS UNTIL THE END”
Responding a question on whether a new mechanism is being worked out between Damascus and Ankara with regard to the Adana Agreement, the President said: “The Adana Agreement enables us to conduct our operations. We cannot provide Assad with a legitimacy he does not deserve.” Pointing out that under the Adana Agreement Turkey has the right to chase down terrorists until the end, President Erdoğan reiterated that Turkey will take all necessary steps for its security.
“CLEARING MANBIJ OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS IS AN ISSUE OF SECURITY FOR TURKEY”
Referring to Manbij, President Erdoğan said clearing Manbij of the PYD/YPG terrorist organization is now an issue of security for Turkey, and added: “The regime’s provocative attempts regarding Manbij and the PYD/YPG’s efforts to make the regime enter Manbij should not be allowed. Of course, the issue is being addressed within the framework of a broad withdrawal plan, and we maintain our determination. We will wait for a period of time, but if nothing happens, we might go one night all of a sudden.” Stressing that they have also taken the necessary steps concerning Idlib, President Erdoğan noted that the Turkish intelligence units are carrying out works to ease Russia’s concern over the presence of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham in that region.
“TURKEY MUST HAVE ALTERNATIVE PLANS AGAINST EU’S STALLING PLANS”
Also touching upon Turkey’s membership process to the European Union, President Erdoğan drew attention to the necessity that Turkey must have alternative plans against the EU’s stalling plans for Turkey, and noted that Turkey is not a country that is totally affiliated with the EU. Further stating that the EU has no right to stall Turkey this long, President Erdoğan underscored that they would evaluate the issue with the nation and proceed their way.
MURDER OF JOURNALIST JAMAL KHASHOGGI
Answering a question on the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, President Erdoğan said that it is not possible to cover up or disregard the murder, adding that Saudi Arabia takes different stances and seeks to divert attention away from the murder due to the current status of its relations with Turkey.
