The spokesman for the Presidency, Sözcü Kalın answered questions about the agenda in the program that participated in the English channel Al Jazeera.

Referring to Turkey’s airstrikes against Syria and northern Iraq in response to the terrorist attack on Istiklal Street in Istanbul, Kalın said that these terrorists would be pursued by air or by land. Kalın recalled that they have clear evidence that the YPG/PYD is behind the terrorist attack in Istanbul, and that those who helped the terrorist who planted the bomb were also detained.

“THE ISTANBUL ATTACK WAS COORDINATED BY PYD/YPG”

Stating that the PKK terrorist organization has changed its tactics in recent years, Kalın said: “Instead of the so-called Syrian Kurds or others, they are using people of different nationalities to cover themselves. (This attack) was clearly coordinated by the PYD/YPG.” he said.

Kalin stressed that the PKK and YPG are terrorist organizations and that the elements and points belonging to these organizations in the north, east, west of Syria or in the regions close to the Turkish border are legitimate targets for Ankara.

Pointing out that Turkey hit PKK, PYD/YPG elements in the operation it carried out in northern Syria, and did not target US or Russian forces, Kalın said: “Of course, we tell them to stay away from This elements. The PYD/YPG uses the US flag at one point and the regime’s flag at another for protection. “There are Americans here, they can’t attack us, the regime forces are here, they can’t attack us.” More recently, they have done this with the Russians a few times in the past, albeit to a lesser extent. In my opinion, this shows that the PYD/YPG is using its alliance with the US to legitimize its presence in northern Syria.” he said.

Rejecting Washington’s statements that Turkey’s recent air operations in northern Syria are endangering the lives of US soldiers, Sözcü Kalın said: “We will not attack Americans, civilians, Russians, Iranians or others, that we will send the message that our targets are elements of the PKK, PYD/YPG in particular.” He made his assessment.

“IN FACE OF A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY, WE DO NOT ASK FOR PERMISSION”

Asked if Russia and Iran gave the green light for Turkey’s operation, Kalın said: “When we face a threat to national security, we don’t ask for permission, we just coordinate with our allies.” he used the phrase.

Kalin stressed that according to the agreement reached with the US in 2019, the Washington administration should move PYD/YPG elements 30 kilometers from the Turkish border, but this agreement was violated.

“PYD/YPG DAESH IS USING ITS PRISONERS AS POLITICAL HOSTS”

Recalling the PYD/YPG’s statements that if Turkey launches a ground operation, it cannot guarantee the arrest of DAESH terrorists in northern Syria, Kalın said: “This means more support from the US and the Europeans. for the PYD/YPG negotiations. It shows that he is using DAESH detainees as political hostages to gain military, political and media support.” he said.

Kalin stated that he does not know if or when there will be a meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian regime leader Bashar Assad.

Stating that many things must be seen to be done in the field, Kalın noted that one of them is whether the Assad regime will take an open stance against the PKK, PYD/YPG and other elements in Syria.

Kalin stressed that Ankara has not forgotten and will continue to support the legitimate Syrian opposition at a time when almost the entire world, especially the United States, Europe and many Arab countries, forgot.

Referring to President Erdogan’s messages about the meeting with Assad, Kalın said: “We do not have an immediate plan for this type of (Erdogan-Assad) meeting, but our president said: ‘If you act responsibly, address security concerns. and the political process. If it is allowed to progress, then the political process will progress. I am willing to give a chance if things like protecting the Syrian people, ensuring regional peace and security, ensuring security and order along the Turkey-Syria border happen. So (President Erdogan) doesn’t say it right away for a meeting or just to meet.” he said.

“Kurds are insulting themselves”

Kalin stated that the HDP is represented in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) and voted for by the people, but does not take a clear stance against the PKK. Claiming that the HDP’s connections to various elements of the PKK are known, the HDP does not deny this, which raises questions: “To say that the PKK, HDP or YPG-PYD represent would be an insult to the Kurds themselves.” he said.

“First of all, let me say that the PKK does not represent the Kurds, just as DEASH and Al-Qaeda do not represent Muslims on a global scale, neither does the PKK represent the Kurds.” he used the phrase.

Noting that the political landscape has completely changed in the Gulf countries, Kalın stated that this is an opportunity and this development is welcome.

Kalin stated that there was a change in the blockade not only applied to Egypt but also to Qatar, saying: “This alliance between Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt and several countries was not only against Qatar, but also against us. It was a sad moment where I thought you lost a lot of political, economic and social opportunities. Now things are starting to change,” he said.

Stating that the path followed before was not the right one and perhaps they were disappointed, Kalın said that countries that were disappointed by the policies of the US and other countries began to change in this way.

Responding to the question of whether Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdelfettah es-Sisi will meet soon, Kalın said: “There is nothing planned at the moment, but we will see how things will work again, there are things that need to be done from both sides, but for these issues to be addressed. It’s nice to know that a handshake has occurred. Sometimes these interests and perspectives change and create some opportunities and you take advantage of them.” he said.

Kalin said that a new page has been turned and that he believes that economic and political power will combine the power of social capital to help regional peace and stability in the interest of all: “We have always believed that Iran should participate instead of isolating itself. . . Engage with Iran, including[los iraníes]in the geopolitical landscape of the region, it is always a better option than isolating or attacking Iran.” made an assessment of him.

Noting that it is recommended to have a regional perspective, including Iran, Kalın said: “Let’s strengthen each other instead of fighting each other.” he said she.

Sözcü Kalın said that this is not a “zero sum game” and that he believes that the value of this policy has been proven over the years, especially considering Turkey’s geopolitical position between east and west, north and the south, as well as its history. culture and geography.

Kalin said, “It’s a blessing if you use it well, but it’s a burden if you don’t.” He said that they are trying to keep this balance between the different stakeholders. (AA)