MHP leader seeks ‘yes’ vote to end ‘global plot against Turkey’

ANKARA

AA photo

An “international plot” is being conducted against Turkey, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has suggested, asking for a “yes” vote in the upcoming referendum for the constitutional amendment to “disperse the global powers.”

“We will disrupt the bloody game of the global powers in our region in solidarity with the nation and in collaboration with the state,” Bahçeli said in Bursa on March 24.

Focusing his speech on “the powers that are against Turkey’s prosperity,” Bahçeli asked for a “yes” vote in the constitutional referendum “for the survival of Turkey” and “to end the games played on Turkey.”

“Pay attention to the painful and bloody exhaustion of the neighboring countries. We are surrounded by a hostile circle. The global plot is active and cruel,” he said.

Referring to the recent operation on Syria’s al-Bab, where Turkey had a presence as part of the Euphrates Shield Operation, Bahçeli accused Russia and the United States of pursuing an alliance with the outlawed Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) in Syria.

“Russian soldiers are posing with PYD-YPG badges after U.S. soldiers did. This is a challenge to our nation,” he said, referring to the presence of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) in northern Syria, regarding it as a “threat to Turkish survival.”

“PYD-PKK offices are in Moscow. Russia, [Syrian President Bashar] al-Assad and the PYD-YPG are in alliance. The U.S. is supporting this alliance covertly,” he added.

He also expressed his discomfort with the presence of the PKK in the northern Iraqi province Sinjar, criticizing Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Massoud Barzani for supporting the outlawed party, accusing him of being a part of the “dark picture.”

He also criticized the U.S. and the United Kingdom for a ban on electronic devices in direct flights from Turkey.

“The political decision of the United States, which means an attempt to undermine Turkey’s reputation and honor, is malicious and contrary to the law of allies,” he said.

He also referred to the growing crisis in relations with European countries and institutions which escalated with a ban preventing Turkish ministers from conducting campaign rallies for the constitutional amendments in several European countries.

“The true faces of those who speak of human rights in Berlin and Frankfurt, of human values in Amsterdam and The Hague emerge in Syria and Iraq,” he added.

“Those who embrace innocence in Europe are turning back to their original identity, cruelty, in the Middle East,” he said.