Turkey's Erdoğan claims peace process 'near completion'
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated that the ongoing peace process neared its final stage, and its completion would be a victory for "all of Turkey."
Duvar English
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Jan. 18 made remarks during the eighth Ordinary Provincial Congress of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the southern province of Mersin, addressing regional dynamics and domestic policies.
Speaking on the İmralı process, Erdoğan said, "A new era is unfolding. The future of this region will be determined by the ancient peoples of these lands. The 100-year-old game is being disrupted. The West’s divide-and-rule strategy in this region is over."
Erdoğan also stated that the process, initiated by ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, was "nearing its final stage."
He continued, "We believe it is time to dream new dreams and take new steps. We seek stability, security, peace, and prosperity in the region."
Erdoğan added, "Turkey would be the winner if the terrorist organization listened to its leader's calls and its political extensions fulfilled their responsibilities."
"Otherwise, we know how to resolve this issue through operations. We will address the matter in its own course. Our preference is for this issue to be permanently consigned to history. The scourge of separatist terrorism will be eradicated. Of course, our heroic martyrs are above all calculations."