MHP’s Bahçeli calls for permanent political unity against terror, coup plotters

“We have no time to waste for political rivalry and polarization. The Yenikapı conciliation and common will that has been observed in parliament should be permanent. Let’s reconcile, let’s agree and let’s build the future together,” Devlet Bahçeli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said at a press conference on Aug 29. 

Bahçeli referred to a massive rally held in Istanbul’s Yenikapı Square with the participation of all political parties except for the Kurdish problem-focused Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) to hail Turkish democracy after the failed coup on July 15. 

“Statements like ‘I received less votes’ or ‘I have more deputies’ have lost their meaning. It’s time to correct any wrong policies, particularly on Syria,” he said, adding Turkey needed to immediately restore stability and peace inside the country. While praising the government’s efforts to cleanse state bodies of Gülenists, Bahçeli also said this process should take place within the boundaries of the rule of law and democratic norms.  


MHP’s support will continue

Turkey should not waste this achievement of unity in the name of political gains, Bahçeli said, adding, “If we do so, no terror organization can stand against us. This is the government of the Republic of Turkey, although we have different views. Our support will continue.” 

Bahçeli also lent support to the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TSK) ongoing military operation into Syria and stressed that the scope of the offensive should also stop the Democratic Union Party’s (PYD) increase of influence in the region.  

“It has been the United States that has most spoiled the PYD,” he said, describing the U.S. support of Syrian Kurds as an ill-intentioned move against Turkey. 

“The secret agenda of the U.S. is to create a de facto situation in northern Syria and to open a dirty corridor to the Mediterranean Sea by handcuffing Turkey,” he said.