Main opposition CHP leader criticizes Euro Parliament call to freeze Turkey’s accession talks

ANKARA

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has criticized the European Parliament’s approval of a report recommending the suspension of Turkey’s accession to the European Union, underlying the opposition’s “struggle for justice.”

“A more healthy and consistent approach should be taken, rather than the suspension of the relationship. I hope they will support our search for justice and make a decision towards continuing relations with Turkey,” Kılıçdaroğlu said on June 7.

He was speaking as he and the cortege of thousands were entering the final 35 kilometers of the “Justice March” from the capital Ankara to Istanbul, after walking for 23 days. They were expected to enter the provincial boundaries of Istanbul on July 7.

“We are conducting a justice march. There are tens of thousands of us. We have held a referendum and more than 50 percent [of the voters] of this country want democracy,” Kılıçdaroğlu said. 

His comments came after the European Parliament voted to accept a recommendation to suspend Turkey’s EU accession talks on July 6. 

“Justice is not a subject that is valid in Turkey. It is pertinent for all of humanity. I hope the European Parliament will be fair and decide on the continuation of relations with Turkey,” he added. 

“We are going to enter Istanbul today. I am very happy and peaceful. We will be in Istanbul after a long journey in which no one was harmed,” he said.

As the march is set to be finalized with a mass meeting at Istanbul’s Maltepe on July 9, extensive security measures have been taken.

Side roads leading to the main route of the march in the city will be closed from traffic for two days, and all side roads leading to the D-100 will be closed. The traffic will be directed to the TEM highway.