A pro-Kurdish party deputy questioned the past statements of former Turkish Defence Minister about the use of chemical weapons, during the ministry’ budget discussions in the Parliament.
MP Sezai Temelli, representing the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (HEDEP) from Muş, emphasised the need for investigating these claims and clarifying their usage.
In his address to the Budget Committee, Temelli recalled the recent release of Hrant Dink’s murderer, Ogün Samast, and reiterated Dink’s words advocating for peace and truth. He highlighted the importance of resolving the Israel-Palestine and Kurdish issues for peace in the Middle East. Temelli criticised the ‘Greater Middle East Project’ for its impact on regional stability over the past four decades and urged for peace-building efforts amidst the risks of a third world war.
Temelli also addressed the historical aspect of the Kurdish issue, underscoring that it has been unsuccessfully addressed through military means for forty years. He called for a democratic solution rooted in Turkey’s historical and cultural fabric, dating back to 1071, the invasion of Mesopotamia and the Asia Minor.
Regarding Turkey’s military presence in northern Syria, Temelli questioned the reasons for displacing locals in Afrin (Êfrîn), Tell Abyad (Grê Spî) and Ras al-Ayn (Sêrêkanîyê). He argued that recognising the status of Rojava (Northern and Eastern Syria) would contribute to Syria’s democratisation and could enhance security and peace in the region. However, he lamented the continued focus on militarisation and conflict.
Temelli drew attention to former Defence Minister Hulusi Akar’s past remarks on chemical weapons, noting that subsequent clarifications included admissions of using tear gas in confined spaces, which falls under the category of chemical weapons. He raised questions about the scope and locations of such usage.
Further, Temelli cited a statement by Erdoğan Karakuş about Turkey’s possession and potential use of tactical nuclear weapons, highlighting the controversial nature of these claims and their implications for regional conflict.
Concluding his speech, Temelli urged for the recognition of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) by Turkey. He stressed that a democratic, politically driven solution, rather than a military one, is crucial for resolving the ongoing chaos and building a democratic republic desired by all parties involved.