Turkish deputy PM urges opposition leader to resign

By Sorwar Alam

ANKARA

Turkish government spokesman and Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag called on the head of the main opposition party Kemal Kilicdaroglu to resign from his party's leadership over allegations aimed at President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“I invite opposition leader Kilicdaroglu to resign from the CHP [Republican People's Party] leadership as a dignified person, though I know he will not resign,” said Bozdag at a news conference following a cabinet meeting in Ankara on Monday.

Last Tuesday, Kilicdaroglu, in a speech to party lawmakers, presented documents he alleged were evidence of his claims that relatives of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had money abroad.

Bozdag stated that the documents shared by the CHP to media as evidence showed that neither Erdogan nor his family members sent a single penny (Kurus) to any offshore account.

He mentioned that Erdogan had rejected the allegations and stated that he would resign from the presidency if Kilicdarolgu could prove the allegations otherwise the CHP leader should resign from his post.

As Kilicdaroglu could not present any credible evidence he should resign, added Bozdag.

He accused the CHP of cooperating with Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the PKK terrorist group's extension and foreign powers working against Turkey.

Cooperation with FETO, PKK

“He [Kilicdaroglu] does not hide anything. His cooperation with FETO, the PKK's extension and those who are against Turkey are very clear," he said.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the July 15, 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, which left 250 martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU.

He added that FETO and some "dark forces" had provided the material for the accusation.

"They [FETO and similar groups] have decided that Kilicdaroglu has crossed his expiry date. They want to push him to disgrace," he said.

He also spoke about recent media reports that U.S. President Donald Trump was planning to relocate the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognize the city as Israel's capital.

Bozdag said that international agreements and UN resolutions protected Jerusalem's status.

“At this point, Turkey reminds everyone of their responsibilities and commitments once again. Please refrain from taking steps that will lead the region to new disasters, conflicts and confusion.”

Speaking about an ongoing trial in the U.S. against Mehmet Hakan Atilla, a former deputy general manager at Turkish state-owned lender Halkbank, Bozdag said the trial was part of a conspiracy against Turkey.

“Turkey has done business with Iran in accordance with national and international law."

Riza Sarraf, who was arrested in the U.S. in March last year, has pleaded guilty to seven charges against him and is giving evidence to the prosecution.