Burak Bir
09 November 2020•Update: 10 November 2020
ANKARA
Appointment, dismissal, accepting or rejecting a resignation is at the discretion of the Turkish presidency, the spokesman for the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party said on Monday.
He was responding to a question on the treasury and finance minister's resignation following the party's Central Executive Board meeting in the capital Ankara.
Berat Albayrak, in a statement on his verified Instagram account on Sunday, said he was stepping down.
The resignation has been accepted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to Turkey's Communications Directorate.
He said there is no disruption in the functioning of the state.
Demolition of Palestinian structures
Touching on Israeli demolitions of Palestinian structures, Celik told the news conference that the Netanyahu administration moved ahead with the destruction amid the US presidential election.
"We expect the world to speak strongly against this barbarism and unlawfulness," he said, adding that Turkey strongly opposes the move.
As many as 689 structures have been demolished across the West Bank and East Jerusalem so far this year, according to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
US presidential election
Responding to another question on the US presidential election, Celik said Turkey will congratulate the winner after the announcement of the official result.
"The important thing is the decision that was made by the American people and American democracy. Turkey knows both the candidates well.
"Therefore, Turkey has preparations whichever candidate wins the election," he said.
The spokesman said Turkey has experience in defending its rights and interests, and will work with the US president and his administration.
US President-elect Joe Biden has surpassed the necessary 270 Electoral College delegates needed to claim the White House, according to the projections. He has claimed victory but President Donald Trump has announced to contest the results.
Azerbaijan's victory over Shusha city
Recalling Azerbaijan's victories in Karabakh, and the recent liberation of the strategic city of Shusha, Celik said "liberation of all Azerbaijani lands in Karabakh is imminent."
He conveyed his condolences to Azerbaijan over the country's martyrs.
Shusha, which was occupied by Armenian forces on May 8, 1992, was taken by Azerbaijani forces on Sunday.
Relations between the ex-Soviet republics have been tense since 1991 when the Armenian military occupied Upper Karabakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh.
Fresh clashes erupted on Sept. 27, and since then the Armenian army has continued its attacks on civilians and Azerbaijani forces, even violating three humanitarian cease-fire agreements.
World powers have called for a sustainable cease-fire. Turkey, however, has supported Baku's right to self-defense and demanded the withdrawal of Armenia's occupying forces.
Multiple UN resolutions also calls for the pullout of the invading forces.
