Statement by Bahçeli: Criticism of Delays in Syria Agreement Implementation and Condemnation of Gaza Crisis
Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which is a partner in the ruling coalition, addressed key foreign and domestic policy issues in an official statement.
Bahçeli first criticized the actions of the YPG/PYD in northern Syria, stating that the group is threatening the security of both countries by delaying the implementation of the March 10, 2024 agreement between Turkey and local Syrian authorities. He described this behavior as “unacceptable” and called for immediate compliance with the terms of the agreement.
In another part of the statement, Bahçeli addressed the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, citing UN reports of children dying from hunger and thirst, and strongly condemned Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid. The MHP leader accused the United Nations of “inaction in the face of humanitarian disasters” and suggested that Turkey should reconsider its membership in the organization.
Bahçeli called for Turkey to play a more active role in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza through diplomatic channels. He described the silence of Islamic and Arab countries regarding the crisis as “unjustifiable.” On national security, he emphasized that Ankara must not be influenced by “external decision-making centers.”
Regarding domestic policy, Bahçeli announced his party’s participation in the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s “National Unity Commission,” established to combat terrorism. The MHP will send four representatives—Feti Yıldız, Mehmet Levent Bülbül, Halil Öztürk, and Ümit Özdağ—to this 51-member commission. Bahçeli interpreted the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) absence from the commission as “a sign of their concern over the weakening of terrorism.”
Finally, Bahçeli praised France’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state as a “commendable step” and urged the international community to increase pressure on Israel.
