Turkish main opposition, intelligence hold historic security talks

Main opposition CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel shared details about Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin’s recent visit to CHP headquarters, calling the meeting a “historic” milestone in opposition-government relations.

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Why it matters?

This rare collaboration underscores shared concerns between Türkiye’s main opposition party and its national intelligence agency about preventing infiltration by terrorist organizations, including FETO, PKK, and DAESH.

Key highlights from intelligence-CHP meeting

• Security-focused agenda: Turkish Intelligence provided briefings on PKK, FETO, and DAESH, as well as other extremists linked to DAESH. Experts presented on these issues, with Kalin contributing at key moments. “We posed 15 questions. Nine were answered directly, and the remaining six required further clarification,” Ozel said.
• Preventing infiltration: Ozel emphasized the risks of infiltration into CHP’s international offices, particularly in the U.S. and Germany.

We requested intelligence support to ensure that FETO or other terrorist groups don’t infiltrate the CHP. Turkish Intelligence agreed to assist.

CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel

Turkish main opposition and and intelligence hold historic security talks

Behind closed doors

• The meeting was planned in coordination with Turkish Intelligence and conducted under tight security. The agency conducted a full security sweep of the venue before the session.
• Ozel declined to name the attendees, apart from Secretary-General Selin Sayek Boke.

We are keeping the names confidential. Even our vice chairpersons don’t know who attended. Any leak will result in immediate consequences.

CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel

Turkish main opposition and and intelligence hold historic security talks

'Mansur Yavas wasn’t discussed'

Ozel confirmed that claims of Turkish Intelligence monitoring Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas were not addressed during the meeting.

“They had previously assured both me and Mr. Yavas that this isn’t part of their responsibilities,” he clarified.

Bottom line

This meeting marks a significant moment of cooperation in Türkiye’s polarized political landscape.

As the CHP expands its presence abroad, it seeks to balance growth with security, demonstrating a commitment to national integrity and constructive engagement.

November 22, 2024 11:13 AM GMT+03:00