Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım spoke on Tuesday at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
“No force can divide the Turkish people. We will not give into terrorism. Those who are trying to separate and divide us will not succeed," said Yıldırım.
“We have a request from the international community. Do not show hesitation in the face of terrorism. We are facing the same terrorist groups. Turkey has struggled against the PKK for 40 years now. Besides the PKK we are facing terrorist groups like Daesh, FETÖ, PYD and DHKP-C," he continued.
Yıldırım announced that Turkey would not hold the new U.S. administration responsible for providing weapons to the YPG. The YPG is the armed wing of the PKK. Yıldırım said “The Obama administration is responsible for that. We expect the new U.S. government to halt giving weapons to the YPG terrorist group."
The Prime Minister emphasized that strategic partnerships should not be overshadowed by terrorist organizations.
The Prime Minister addressed Turkey's recent efforts to broker a nationwide ceasefire across Syria.
“After a six year civil war in Syria, Turkey negotiated a ceasefire agreement with Russia. We have formed a foundation for other countries to take steps for Syria. The only country to intervene in the Aleppo massacre was Turkey. A total of 46,000 people were evacuated from a war-torn city," explained Yıldırım.
“For hundreds of years, people of different faiths have lived side by side in Ortaköy. We will continue to protect this unity. We must all do so for the sake of tomorrow. Don't be fooled, the aim of these provocations is to divide the people. We will not give into these game," said Yıldırım.
Yıldırım also spoke about the recent arrests for promoting terror on social media.
“Provocations shared through social media are damaging to our national unity. I must warn the youth who use social media; do not use social media irresponsibly. Posts supporting or sharing terrorist propoganda will be punished," said Yıldırım.
Turkey has engaged in significant efforts to improve its relations with its allies and neighbors. “We have advanced our relations with Russia. We have advanced our relations with Israel to a certain point," Yıldırım said.
“The way to root out terrorism is to build peace and brotherhood between all people of a nation. We must coexist in peace with our neighbors for the sake of our country and the region," concluded Yıldırım.
