CHP withdraws motions against PM after Mosul crisis

ANKARA

CHP deputy parliamentary group leader Akif Hamzaçebi speaks to reporters at Parliament. AA Photo

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has withdrawn two separate motions it submitted to Parliament against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The move comes in the midst of the ongoing Mosul crisis that has resulted in the kidnapping of 80 Turkish nationals, including the country’s consul general in Mosul.

“Developments in Mosul show us we are facing an extraordinary situation. In such a situation, domestic politics should have secondary importance. We do not find it right to introduce these motions to Parliament at a time when we need national standing and unity,” deputy parliamentary group leader of the CHP, Akif Hamzaçebi told reporters June 12. Hamzaçebi added they will renew these motions at an appropriate time.  

Hamzaçebi also said the government’s Middle East policy is beginning to a collapse and it needs to be revised in order to avoid future crises.

On a question regarding why the consulate has not been evacuated, Hamzaçebi said there could be a lot of criticisms against the government, but today’s priority was to save the Turkish hostages from the militants.