12 September 2016•Update: 17 September 2016
By Tugba Yardimci
BAYBURT, Turkey
Turkey's finance minister on Monday accused local municipalities under the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) of having financed PKK terrorism.
Naci Agbal said the government “under the principles of a state of law” would deal with those who supported or financed terrorists.
His remarks came at a gathering in the northeastern province of Bayburt where he went to celebrate the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as the feast of sacrifice.
Referring to the recent appointment of trustees by the Turkish government to some southeastern municipalities, the minister said the government had done what was necessary.
“How come a municipality, elected by the votes of citizens living there, can transfer its funds to terrorists?” Agbal asked.
He added: “The HDP municipalities clearly finance terrorism.”
Trustees were appointed to oversee 28 local administrations Sunday following the suspension of mayors accused of links to the PKK or the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO). The latter has been linked to the July 15 coup attempt.
Agbal also discussed an extensive development plan for 23 provinces in southeast Turkey. Education, health, transport and infrastructure projects are underway to boost employment and improve the regional economy, he said.
Referring to Monday’s bomb attack in the eastern province of Van, Agbal said Turkey would never give up the fight against terrorism.
“PKK and Daesh on one side and FETO on the other side are all targeting Turkey's future,” he said. “However, the power of this nation is above all.”
A bomb-laden vehicle exploded at 10.50 a.m. local time (0750GMT) near a police station in front of the Justice and Development (AK) Party building, injuring 48 people. Two of the injured were in critical condition.
The blast heavily damaged the AK Party building and a nearby hotel. Windows of nearby houses and storefronts were also shattered in the blast.
