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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to deliver what the Turkish government's spokesperson Omer Celik is calling a “historic speech” on Saturday, July 12, as Türkiye prepares to unveil the next phase of its national strategy to eliminate terrorism.
“On Saturday morning, our President will deliver a historic speech. I invite all citizens to listen to it,” Celik invited the public to follow the upcoming address closely.
Speaking to local media, Celik said the disarmament process involving terrorist organizations is proceeding according to plan. He emphasized that the initiative will be handled entirely by domestic institutions.
“We absolutely do not accept a third eye in this process. A Türkiye without terror is now a state policy of the Republic of Türkiye,” Celik said.
Celik explained that members of armed groups who surrender will be treated based on their involvement in criminal activity. “There will be a distinction between those who committed crimes and those who did not,” he said. “If someone surrenders and has not committed a crime, nothing happens to them.”
He also noted that current laws already allow for lenient treatment of those who turn themselves in during active conflict, provided they have not engaged in illegal acts.
A commission will be established in the Turkish parliament to structure the process and guide implementation. Celik rejected claims that the initiative compromises Türkiye’s national unity. “We are conducting this with the principle of one homeland, one nation, one state, and one flag,” he said.
Commenting on neighboring Syria, Celik reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial unity. He warned against the long-term presence of foreign powers backing armed groups, saying, “They will not stay forever. These people will have to live together.”
Celik stated that the initiative enjoys strong public trust. “There is extraordinary confidence in President Erdogan and Mr. Bahceli,” he said, referring to Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, an ally in the current political coalition.
He acknowledged external efforts to derail the process but said institutions are acting within legal frameworks. “Our institutions are using the right tools. Everything is happening in front of the public.”
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