CHP Chairman Özel: “Seeing this attack, one can’t help but think about how striking the timing here is.”

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel commented on the terrorist attack in front of TUSAŞ, stating, “We condemn terrorism, regardless of who it comes from and what justification is given. When one sees this attack, one cannot help but think about how striking the timing is here.” He made these remarks during a visit to the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality with party members, where he informed journalists that he was aware of his upcoming visit to Selahattin Demirtaş. Expressing that he brought his greetings, Özel stated his hope of having coffee together in the future when Demirtaş is free. Congratulating the mayor from the DEM Party, Özel continued his remarks:

“I congratulate you once again for the success you achieved in obtaining the authority to govern this city. My call from Diyarbakır is this: Following Mr. Bahçeli’s statements on Tuesday, a new process and a new climate are being discussed in Turkey. I see hope for peace and brotherhood in Diyarbakır, but I also observe unease and distrust regarding the process. And I see an expectation for sincerity.”

Referring to the explosion in Ankara, Özel said, “There was a suicide bomber attack at the TUSAŞ facilities in Ankara Kahramankazan, followed by a conflict. There are martyrs and wounded. The incident is very recent, and we are following it closely. We pray for mercy for the martyrs and wish a speedy recovery for the injured. We condemn terrorism, regardless of who it comes from and what justification is given. When one sees this attack, one cannot help but think about how striking the timing is here. One cannot forget the process that started from Diyarbakır just a few days before June 7 and lasted until November 1. It is important to remember how all terrorist organizations activated suddenly during the period between June 7 and November 1 to try to manipulate public opinion. Those who rely on terrorism are making a mistake.”

“Today in Diyarbakır, and yesterday in Ankara, we hope for a Turkey where terrorism is removed from the agenda, where mothers’ tears stop, regardless of their origin, and where all 86 million people can live in peace, brotherhood, and tranquility, achieving prosperity, escaping poverty, and overcoming the fear of the future,” Özel said, adding, “Of course, it will not be easy. Of course, they will say things we have not said. We must be ready for all kinds of psychological warfare and aggressive attitudes. Our hearts ache for these martyrs; the pain continues. I hope this will be the last one.”

Diyarbakır Metropolitan Mayor Serra Bucak stated, “We want to thank the Republican People’s Party for the solidarity, support, and unity they have shown since the local elections. We also want to express our pleasure in hosting the Republican People’s Party delegation here today, along with its Chairman Özgür Özel, and to discuss how we can make strides for our city, our region, and our country, how we can organize local democracy, and deepen intercity alliances and diplomacy.”