Attending the 2nd Ordinary Provincial Congress of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Gaziantep, Erdogan criticized Baydemir who previously called for an end to security operations in the Southeast.
Erdogan said, "before anything, do your job as a mayor. Can an operation stop? We have to do it. Whether in the cities or the rural areas, the operations will never end."
Stating that those within parties involved in legal politics and non-governmental organizations could not support a terrorist organization or promote its activities, Erdogan added, "If you are not doing this, come out and say so openly and put an end to all of this. Do not drag the Republic of Turkey to other platforms with a different mentality."
Referring to the appeal on ending operations, the Prime Minister continued, "So, the operations should be stopped. Can the operations be stopped? What does this mean now? Security forces receiving intelligence on terrorism will conduct operations whether in the cities or in rural areas. This is their primary duty. We will do them, we have to do them. There is no stopping. The operations will definitely continue. Look at this man. He is a Mayor but he says lay down the arms. Just look at that remark! Before anything you do your job as Mayor. Security force members will carry their arms, what is that to you. "
Erdogan said, "When I went to Siirt, a group of municipality assembly members wanted to talk to me. I accepted. Do you know what their proposal to me was? (These operations should end). Are you not members of the municipal assembly? I said make sure you don't become representatives of those on the mountains. These people are not sincere. We brought out the 'return home' law, but did they abide by it? If they were sincere they would have. Leave alone conforming with it, they have now started to use children."
PM criticises main opposition CHP leader Baykal too
Erdogan also referred to recent statements made by main opposition CHP chairman Deniz Baykal noting that he had criticized an evaluation the PM made on the children issue.
"From the year 1974 to 12 September (1980) they were there [ruling] in the period of anarchy and terrorism and we could not even go to our schools. Politics can't be conducted through opportunism. This is an issue of country, nation and flag. No politics can be conducted on these issues."
Addressing Baykal's criticism, Erdogan said, "You look at what's going on internally. The people have already chosen where to sit you. Actually, I say I won't put Baykal on my agenda, but he comes up and hangs on to me with unheard of remarks. In his speech in Sinop he's apparently said that I would be sitting at the table with the terrorist organization. Hey Baykal, know this really well: you cannot talk to me about the flag, which bears on it the blood of martyrs and the crescent as symbol of freedom. I especially address you from our city of veterans. Not those who have set their hearts on the CHP."
The Prime Minister then added, "Remember who you were with in the 1991 elections when you ran under the roof of the SHP? There were people who are now leaders of the PKK terror group. When we said this in Parliament, he scrambled to his feet. Why are you jumping about? Did these people not direct the organisation from Europe? Did you not walk those paths with these people? I am saying this just so you know." (EO/II/YE)