CHP will give government full support in efforts against ISIL

ANKARA

AA Photo

Turkey’s main opposition party has reiterated its support for the government in its efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL).

Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deputy Chair and Spokesperson Haluk Koç told reporters on Sept. 22 that the CHP was prepared to provide full political support to the government in its actions against ISIL both inside and outside the country.

However, Koç criticized the government for “pulling up stakes with the murderous terrorist group ISIL, which boldly captured 49 consulate members for 101 days.”

Speaking after the CHP’s central executive board meeting, he said Turkey would find it difficult to recover from the loss of its reputation arising from questions about the Turkish state’s deterrence, putting the security of the country and its citizens more in danger.

The CHP has demanded that the government determine those responsible for the hostage incident, questioning the authorities that did not evacuate the consulate in a timely manner.

Koç, meanwhile, called on the government to openly declare ISIL a terrorist organization, suggesting that Turkey has publicly shied away from labeling it as a terrorist group.

“As long as it abstains from declaring ISIL a terrorist organization, Turkey, a country that has suffered from terror attacks, will remain under suspicion,” the CHP spokesperson said.

He added that the fact that ISIL contains “Islam” in its name is the ultimate insult for Muslims and Islam.