AKP election manifesto vows to ‘overcome problems with US’

ANKARA

Turkey under the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will aim to overcome problems with the United States and maintain close cooperation between the two countries, the AKP’s election manifesto for the upcoming snap elections has stated.

“We would like to overcome problems with the U.S.,” read the manifesto announced at a special event in Ankara on May 24.

The manifesto repeated Ankara’s objection to Washington’s support to the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Unity Party (PYD) and the People’s Protection Unit (YPG) under the coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), saying “Turkey will accelerate its diplomatic and lobbying efforts in order to ensure that the U.S. will take steps in accordance with our sensitivities and expectations.”

“It is essential to maintain close cooperation with the U.S.,” it read, adding that Turkey will base its cooperation on “three specific demands.” These demands are for the U.S. to cut ties with the YPG, to give concrete support to Turkey in its struggle against outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), and to extradite Pennsylvania-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen.

On Syria, the AKP said Turkey will continue its efforts for a “new and legitimate” leadership in Damascus, adding that it aims to re-establish neighborly ties and cooperation with a “new Syria.”

The manifesto also stated that Turkey will put in efforts to “improve bilateral relations with Russia.”

“We will continue our close coordination with Russia on regional subjects, especially on Syria,” the manifesto read.