MHP Celebrates, CHP Questions Syria Deal with US

*Kılıçdaroğlu and Bahçeli

Click to read the article in Turkish (1) (2)

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chair Devlet Bahçeli has released a written statement on yesterday's (October 17) deal between Turkey and the US on the Syria operation.

"The Nationalist Movement Party finds the deal between Turkey and the US delegation valuable," he said. "I sincerely congratulate our President who did not compromise on his determination and his government."

According to the deal reached yesterday, Turkey will suspend the Operation Peace spring for 120 hours to allow the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to withdraw from the border area, where Ankara plans to set up a "safe zone."

CLICK - Joint Statement by Turkey and US on Northern Syria

Bahçeli claimed that the meeting between US Vice-President Mike Pence and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan showed that who is "rightful" and who is "hypocrite."

"It is clear that the Operation Peace Spring, the results of which should be separately evaluated, exposed the front of treachery and cruelty, who took positions both inside and outside [of the country]."

Bahçeli also said that US President Donald Trump's letter to Erdoğan, where he urged the President "not to be a fool" was "ugly" and Trump is "on the wrong side of history and humanity." 

The MHP is an ally of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the informal "People's Alliance."

Kılıçdaroğlu: Why did Erdoğan and Pence sit side-by-side?

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the chair of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), commented on the deal in a program on TV5.

"Look at how the vice-president and Erdoğan are sitting. As if Erdoğan and Trump are sitting, they are side-by-side and the delegations are on the opposite side. Is Pence the President of the US? There is equality in interstate relations," he said.

Photo: AA

On the deal between Ankara and Washington, Kılıçdaroğlu said, "Of course, it is a good thing that there is a ceasefire," adding that it is not known what Turkey gave to the US in return for the deal.

As for the US sanctions on Turkey, the CHP chair said, "There is a great fragility in the economy. They also know that." (AÖ/VK)