Presidential Spokesperson Kalın: “Our People’s Main Agenda is July 15”

Presidential Spokesperson Kalın said: “Upon the call of President Erdoğan, a process of democracy watch will be initiated once again on the night of July 15. Mr. President will personally attend the democracy watch that night. He will meet with martyrs’ families and veterans on various occasions. In this regard, it is of great importance that we do not let July 15 be forgotten,” in a press conference at Tarabya Presidential Residence in Istanbul.

Deputy Secretary General and Spokesperson of the Presidency Ambassador İbrahim Kalın held a press conference at Tarabya Presidential Residence in Istanbul.

Spokesperson Kalın stated:

“Incidents of paramount importance have taken place in Turkey in the last year. Our people has taken lessons from the coup attempt. Our state and government have taken measures. And the last year has taken its place in our history as an important year also with regard to the coup attempt’s reflections in the international community. Our assessments we have made so far and will continue to make regarding this process, lessons we will take from it will continue to be significant topics on our agenda.

A week-long event program about the July 15 coup attempt has been prepared on the occasion of its nearing anniversary. A program has been prepared at the instructions, attention and monitoring of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. A series of events will be held with the participation of our state, our people, our NGOs, business, arts and sports communities in order to keep the memory of July 15 martyrs alive.

“EVENTS, BEFITTING JULY 15’S SPIRIT AND MEANING, ARE BEING PREPARED”

Events, befitting July 15’s spirit and meaning, are being prepared. Our main emphasis here is to keep the memory our martyrs, who took to the streets for democracy, independence, freedom, our homeland and people, alive, to meet all basic needs of our veterans, and to not allow this treasonous coup attempt be forgotten by future generations or the world. The Turkish people has been through a great test on July 15 in the name of democracy. There is no other example in modern political history, in which a people repelled a coup attempt with nothing else than the flags in their hands and faith in their hearts. In this regard, we will commemorate an incident recorded in history in golden letters.

We surely feel grief because we have martyrs but there is also a great epic of valor here. We will remember this resistance, accomplishment, this victory in a solemn way befitting its meaning and spirit. A series of events will be held with the participation of President Erdoğan. A special session will be held at the parliament and Mr. President will attend that session. A series of events will be held in Ankara and Istanbul. Some of them will be attended by Mr. President, some by Mr. Parliament Speaker, some by Prime Minister, ministers and other politicians. Symposiums, meetings, visits to cemeteries, events at locations where our citizens died a martyr on the night of July 15 will be held.

“IT IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE THAT WE DO NOT LET JULY 15 BE FORGOTTEN”

I would like to underline that our people’s main agenda is July 15. Lessons we will take from July 15, events to be held on its anniversary are also our people’s main agenda. It will also demonstrate once again our people’s resolve to fight together against the FETO, the PKK and DAESH, all terrorist organizations, groups, circles, targeting our people’s unity and integrity. Memorials, built in Istanbul and Ankara will be inaugurated. The construction of these memorials have made great progress and will be completed by July 15. One of them is across the main gate of the Presidential Complex. The other one is right on the left of the entrance of the July 15 Martyrs Bridge on the Anatolian side. They will be inaugurated with the participation of our martyrs’ families, veterans and citizens. Well, these are mainly events to be held in Istanbul and Ankara but many events will be held in 81 provinces across the country. Khatms of Quran are being done by our Presidency of Religious Affairs for our martyrs and their prayer will be said on July 15 at Beştepe People’s Mosque and other mosques.

“UPON THE CALL OF PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN, A PROCESS OF DEMOCRACY WATCH WILL BE INITIATED ONCE AGAIN ON THE NIGHT OF JULY 15”,

Upon the call of President Erdoğan, a process of democracy watch will be initiated once again on that night. Mr. President will personally attend the democracy watch that night. He will meet with martyrs’ families and veterans on various occasions. In this regard, it is of great importance that we do not let July 15 be forgotten. We should remember again and again the agenda of July 15 against occasional efforts from both inside and outside of Turkey to create various artificial agendas. We need to understand very well our people’s great epic of valor and the incidents that took place in its aftermath, and take significant lessons from them. I also would like to share another matter with you. In a sense, it is also relevant. Because, the July 15 coup attempt was staged by the FETO terrorist organization but there is also the PKK terrorist organization we are fighting against at the same time. As you know, our fight against the PKK has been ongoing for years. All our security forces, our Armed Forces, our Interior Ministry, Gendarmerie, guards are heroically fighting shoulder to shoulder day and night to defend our homeland.

“MAY ALLAH BLESS THE SOULS OF ORHAN MERCAN AND AYDIN AHİ”

As you know, Orhan Mercan, AK Party’s deputy head in the Lice district of Diyarbakır and Aydın Ahi, AK Party’s deputy head in the Özalp district of Van were killed in a brutal attack by the PKK terrorist organization. May Allah bless their souls! I offer my condolences to their families, to AK Party and to our august nation. These attacks against politicians reveal once again the true face of the PKK terrorist organization. Intense efforts continue at the moment to catch the perpetrators. Sooner or later, they will be brought to justice. I also would like to say: we should ask ourselves what those, who criticize the measures taken against the PKK terrorist organization, think when these incidents occur. We should also note that those, who criticize Turkey in Europe, the U.S. and other places for fighting against the PKK terrorist organization, remain silent in the face of these massacres, attacks and assassinations. This is actually a sad situation that reaffirms how hypocritical an attitude they have regarding the fight against terror.

No matter what they say, we will continue our fight against terror in an effective way. It is absolutely out of the question that we back down on this path for our country’s unity and solidarity. I once again wish Allah’s mercy on Orhan Mercan and Aydın Ahi and offer my condolences to their families.

SETTLEMENT OF SYRIAN CRISIS AND ASTANA PROCESS

Question: “Could you please share the details of President Erdoğan’s meeting with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu? Is Turkey planning to launch a land operation in Afrin?”

Spokesperson Kalın: “Mr. President received Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu of the Russian Federation yesterday here. Mr. Shoigu came to Turkey upon a request Mr. Putin made two days ago during a phone call with Mr. President. The main agenda item of the talks was the Astana meeting slated to be held on July 4 and 5. As you know, Astana talks are a process of critical importance we initiated with Russia in order to terminate the Syrian crisis and end the war. Details of the Astana process, which is maintained in addition to the UN’s Geneva process, were discussed during President Erdoğan’s meeting with the Russian Defence Minister.

We are making every effort for the success of the Astana process. We are mobilizing all our means and resources to this end. As you know one of the most critical phases of this process was to establish de-escalation zones in Syria and draw up a roadmap for the functioning of this mechanism. Relevant technical works are still ongoing. The Russian minister presented information to Mr. President on this issue during their meeting yesterday. Our technical teams from the Foreign Ministry, General Staff and National Intelligence Organization have gone to Astana to discuss the issue during the next two days.

We will undertake intense efforts to end the crisis, whose sixth or seventh year is nearing, as well as to initiate a political transition process and deliver humanitarian aid. After the technical talks in Astana, Mr. President will come together with Mr. Putin most probably on July 8 on the margins of G20 meeting. They will have an opportunity to review the decisions to be taken during Astana meetings.”

“TURKEY IS CAPABLE OF TAKING EVERY MEASURE AGAINST ANY THREAT FROM ABROAD”

“As regards your question on Afrin; Turkey is capable of taking every measure against any threat from abroad so as to protect its national interests. And while taking these measures, it doesn’t ask for permission from anyone because this is an inherent part of our sovereign right. Turkey responds in kind, and even abundantly, to any threat that might come from Afrin or any other place, whether it be from the PYD, PKK, YPG or DAESH terrorist organizations or from any other organization as we have done in the past. We will continue to take every measure within the context of military planning for the protection of our border security.”

RESOLUTION OF QATAR CRISIS

Question: “Is there any hope for a resolution of the Qatar crisis?”

Spokesperson Kalın: “As you know, Turkey enjoys deep-rooted and comprehensive historical, economic and political relations with all Gulf nations. Therefore, our primary wish is to resolve the crisis through negotiations. As Turkey, we immediately took steps to help citizens deal with the negative effects of the sanctions imposed on Qatar. As you know our food shipments are going on. We are also maintaining our normal relations. Mr. President has conducted a busy diplomatic traffic on the issue, discussing it in detail with Mr. Trump in a recent phone call. During their telephone conversation, Mr. President called on the U.S. to take a constructive stance on the issue.

I am of the opinion that these efforts have lately started to bear fruit. It is good news that there is now a stronger understanding to resolve the matter through negotiations.”

“TURKISH BASE IN QATAR IS AIMED AT ENSURING THE PEACE AND SECURITY OF NOT ONLY QATAR, BUT THE WHOLE REGION”

“A deadline of 10 days was set for Qatar. And the Qatar side is giving its answer via Kuwait within the framework of Kuwait Amir’s mediation. Next few days are of critical importance. These answers will be given and that mechanism in question will function. We hope these matters of dispute to be resolved immediately. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that we should especially emphasize here Qatar’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Because, some of these matters are actually related to sovereign rights of states. For example, the Turkish base in Qatar is one such issue. This, in the last analysis, is a base planning undertaken with an agreement between two sovereign nations in compliance with international law. This base is aimed at ensuring the peace and security of not only Qatar, but the whole region. Turkey’s base in Qatar by no means poses a threat to any country. Perceiving and presenting it as a threat is unacceptable.”

“MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY FALLS ON TURKISH AND ARAB MEDIA OUTLETS”

“Major responsibility falls on Turkish and Arab media outlets throughout this process. None of us need a media war. We see from time to time some anti-Turkey media campaigns in the Arab world and anti-Arab media campaigns in Turkey by means of various perception operations. Such deeds only equate to adding fuel to the fire of sedition (fitnah). We should be vigilant against such attempts and act responsibly. This crisis is overcome and remains in the past; yet, the friendship remains eternal between Turkey and the Arab world, between Turks and Arabs, between Turkey and the Gulf countries. We are taking these sensitivities into consideration while managing this process. Mr. President will continue his contacts regarding the issue.”

“PRIMARY AGENDA OF MR. PRESIDENT’S GERMANY VISIT WILL BE THE G20 SUMMIT”

Question: “Will President Erdoğan come together with the Turks living in Germany in a rally?”

Spokesperson Kalın: “The primary agenda of Mr. President’s Germany visit will be the G20 Summit. Mr. President will deliver speeches at the summit and hold a series of bilateral meetings. I have previously shared with you the summit’s agenda items. However, I would like to remind one point. During 2015’s G20 Summit in Antalya, Mr. President proposed that the fight against terror and the refugee issue be added to the G20 agenda. And there took place a discussion among G20 shareholders back then regarding this proposal. Some of them raised objections like ‘The main agenda of the G20 is economy. Raising such heavy political issues at the G20 undermines this main agenda.’ However, thanks to Mr. President’s wisdom and insistence these items were added to the G20 Summit’s agenda in Antalya, Turkey and they found their way into the summit’s final communiqué. We are glad to see that these issues were discussed in China last year as well. Therefore, the G20 summit will top our agenda during our visit to Germany.”

“PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN HAS VERY STRONG TIES OF AFFECTION WITH OUR CITIZENS IN GERMANY”

“In answer to your question regarding a meeting with citizens in Germany, as we have expressed repeatedly so far, President Erdoğan has very strong ties of affection with our citizens in Germany. Whether Mr. President physically meets with them or not, whether some people try to block it or not, or whether some people work to present it in different ways, these attempts never eliminate these ties of affection. However, turning this matter into an issue of domestic politics and trying to achieve political gain through anti-Erdoğan discourse is unfortunately a manifestation of the eclipse of political mind in Europe. As the elections in Germany get closer, constantly attacking President Erdoğan and trying to condemn Turkey by defining it or President Erdoğan with various designations show how narrow Europe’s political horizon has become. This situation never affects Turkey’s strong ties with its citizens living in Europe. We will continue to come together with them in various places, times and forms.

I would like to stress that we reject in the clearest way possible all the accusations that are directed at our citizens with regard to their ties with their country and their love and affection for Mr. President. Treating them as if they were spies or presenting them as dubious is contrary to all the values Europe is claiming to be advocating. Discussing whether there is freedom of assembly in Turkey on one hand, and creating a political agenda to block such a meeting in Germany on the other hand is probably the biggest example of contradiction. German Foreign Minister has recently made a self-criticism, soul-searching as well. As I noted the previous day, we attach importance to this self-criticism. This self-criticism that they are not effective enough regarding the fight against the PKK and their failure to show the necessary reaction against the July 15 coup attempt manifest their current situation clearly.”

“JULY 15 COMMEMORATIONS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN JULY 11-16”

Question: “Will July 15 events be held before July 15 between the dates of July 9 and 15 or between July 15 and 22? Will Mr. President attend events both in Ankara and Istanbul on July 15? And also, Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu’s march will end with a rally in Istanbul on 9^th of July. Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu made statements yesterday and today and said that ‘provocations will increase as we near Istanbul’. We have seen the measures taken today. Is there any information the top of the state has received about that?”

Spokesperson Kalın: “First of all, the July 15 commemorations will be held between July 11 and 16, which was planned beforehand. Commemorative events will be held during the entire week. Activities will begin on the 11^th of July and continue to intensify toward the 15^th of July. Mr. President will attend many events during that period of 4-5 days, not only events in Ankara and Istanbul on July 15. As I have said, Mr. President will attend a Parliamentary session on July 15. He will come to Istanbul, attend both the march, rally and inauguration of the memorial there. Then, he will come back to Ankara to go to the Parliament and then attend the inauguration of the memorial in front of the Presidential Complex. He will attend all those events.

Let me also say this; we will share the details of the program over the next few days, because we want and encourage all our citizens to attend these events. Our missions abroad will also hold events on this day. We will have a chance to share it with you over the next few days. There will also be websites, containing visuals, audio and other materials on the July 15 commemorations. Our citizens, organizations, NGOs, anyone who wants to do so, can use these materials.

“MEASURES TAKEN AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL AGAINST PROVOCATIVE ATTEMPTS”

In answer to the second part of your question, measures have been taken at the highest level against provocative attempts. We by no means wish such a thing and will not tolerate such attempts. However, I would like to underline once again: as we near the anniversary of July 15, our people’s agenda is to make sure the valiant spirit of July 15 lives on, to remember once again how the treasonous coup attempt was repelled on July 15 and how this nation taught a lesson of democracy to the entire world. This is our people’s primary agenda. We will continue with this agenda until July 15-16.”

Question: “There is a video on the internet, in which you sing a song. Is there any chance you will be on the stage during the July 15 commemorations?”

Spokesperson Kalın: “There may be surprises.”

EVENTS TO BE HELD ABROAD DURING THE WEEK OF JULY 15

Question: “Will special events be held at our embassies, missions and state institutions abroad during the week of July 15?”

Spokesperson Kalın: “Relevant instructions are being sent to our missions abroad, our embassies, consulates, relevant institutions. It will be coordinated within this week and they will hold commemorative events. It is very important for these events to be held abroad, because we lived through it in Turkey but how much of it could the foreigners see abroad, and to what extend they have comprehended the gravity and severity of the incident here? It is important in terms of showing them.

And also, let me say this; there is a Turkish community of nearly 6-7 million living abroad. Maybe, it is not correct to call it a diaspora but our citizens living in different locations across the world were, in a sense, in the incidents happening in Turkey. They followed every moment of it. They supported us. Their hearts and spirits were with us. Therefore, it is very important that they attend these events on its anniversary.”

“ALL OUR CITIZENS WILL BE OUT ON THE STREETS ON JULY 15”

Question: “You said democracy watches will be held and Mr. President will attend one of them. Where and when will they take place and for how long?”

Spokesperson Kalın: “I believe all our citizens will be out on the streets during and on the night of July 15. And they will stand watch together to remind how they defended their democracy, freedoms, homeland and nation. Therefore, I can say that it will take place on the night of July 15, including the following morning.”