PM seeks opposition's support for state of emergency

ANKARA

Turkish PM Binali Yildirim Thursday telephoned opposition leaders to seek their support for a parliamentary motion on the state of emergency declared Wednesday night, in the wake of last week’s failed coup.

Parliamentary consent is required for the state of emergency to go forward.

Prime Ministry sources told Anadolu Agency that Yildirim spoke with the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu, and of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahceli, on the state of emergency decision by the National Security Council and Cabinet.

Yildirim thanked both leaders for their support against the failed military coup, adding that he wanted their support for Thursday’s vote on the state of emergency motion, said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking with the media.

In a written statement, Bahceli announced that they would support the motion set for debate Thursday.

"The state of emergency decision across Turkey is a suitable and relevant choice," the statement said.

The statement added that the MHP will be on the state's and nation's side without making any concessions, saying, "[The MHP] gives no quarter to any illegal formation or gang."

Speaking to journalists in parliament, Kilicdaroglu said that CHP has not taken a group decision on the motion, saying they could not take a group decision on democracy.

"We support democracy," he said.