CHP leader urges common sense after attack
Hande Fırat - ANKARA
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has suggested common sense after a massive protest against himself during the funeral of a fallen soldier. He blamed some circles who do not want Turkey’s normalization.
“Let me express with sorrow. There are politicians and some other elements who do not want Turkey’s normalization. Turkey has serious problems and needs to be normalized as soon as possible,” Kılıçdaroğlu told a small group of Ankara newspaper bureau chiefs on April 22.
Kılıçdaroğlu was subject to a massive protest by a nationalist mob during the funeral of a fallen soldier in Çubuk district of Ankara on April 21. Some demonstrators punched and kicked him before he was taken to a house for his safety.
Turkey has become a subject of international negotiations with the involvement of both the United States and Russia and therefore has been cornered on many fronts, Kılıçdaroğlu said.
“Therefore, Turkey should, at least in the field of politics, act and react together. At the end of the day, it’s our country, and we all want peace,” the CHP leader said.
Attack on opposition leader investigated thoroughly: Erdoğan
There are, however, some other groups who resist national unity by planting seeds of hatred in society through polarizing and dividing language, Kılıçdaroğlu said.
“These people had inflicted heavy damage on Turkey in the past as well. I am afraid they have drawn a special road map to this end. This is a problem for Turkey’s future,” he said.
He stressed that these groups should never be allowed to spark chaos and turmoil in the country.
CHP probes the attack
Kılıçdaroğlu said his security detail had already informed relevant security bodies over the attack. CHP officials are also investigating the incident.
“Our friends are watching video recordings and making identifications. We are also in contact with the people in this village. We did not want to leave all the mission to the prosecutor, as you see. We will learn all about these people,” Kılıçdaroğlu said.
CHP heads in 81 provinces will issue a joint statement to denounce the attack and prohibit street demonstrations by the CHP over concerns that they could create conditions for further provocations.
On a question whether he will continue to attend funerals of fallen soldiers in the future, Kılıçdaroğlu said: “We will do whatever our duty is.”
No demand for extra security
The CHP did not apply to the Interior Ministry for additional security after the attack, Kılıçdaroğlu said. When reminded he used an armored car in the aftermath of an attack by the PKK, he said that car was given back to the authorities.
“If conditions will push us to drive an armored car, then we’ll have to purchase one. But it’s not an issue as of today. If need be, we can provide our own security,” he said.
