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Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Vice Chair and Malatya MP Veli Ağbaba has responded to President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who stated on December 15, "If necessary, we will close İncirlik and Kürecik bases."
In response to President Erdoğan's remarks on İncirlik Air Base in Adana and Kürecik Radar Station in Malatya, Ağbaba has released a written statement and stated the following in brief:
"For nine years, we have been tired of repeating it over and over again. They established a US base in the middle of Anatolia. Whenever the US makes a decision, they say, 'We will close that base.'
"Does Turkey have to be attacked to close it? Whenever the US drives Turkey into a corner, they play the cards of 'İncirlik and Kürecik.' But, till now, no actions have been taken, apart from uttering such remarks.
"İncirlik and Kürecik are too serious an issue that could be utilized as a tool for domestic affairs and relieve the masses. This mindset should be put aside, a tough stance should be adopted and the bases threatening Turkey have to be closed immediately. If you are sincere, why are you waiting for the decisions of the US?" (DB/SD)
