Statement from Turkey’s Deputy PM on claims about ISIL burning Turkish soldiers
Council of Ministers of Turkey convened today (December 27) under the leadership of PM Binali Yıldırım at Çankaya Palace in Ankara. After the meeting, which lasted for about 3 hours, Deputy PM Numan Kurtulmuş answered journalists’ questions and gave statements about Turkey-EU relations; draft law on board of higher education; joint efforts of AKP and MHP in drafting the new constitution and the work of the parliamentary committee on it; and, cross-border operations in Syria.
‘Some friends in the media should watch their steps’
Kurtulmuş also answered a question with regards to the video, widely shared on social media last week, where two men who are claimed to be Turkish soldiers are shown as being burnt by ISIL militants. Kurtulmuş said: “There is no information (about the video) confirmed by Turkish Armed Forces and Ministry of National Defense. These terrorist organizations are the lowest groups in the world. They are trying to inflict fear among the public through such images. And, no offend but some friends in the media should also watch their steps, too. Social media is not a platform to publish anything irresponsibly. Turkey is in de facto war with DAESH. Those who attempt to put down the mood of the people of Turkey are not patriots. Thankfully, the national media is in great collaboration.”
‘Everybody must watch their words in regards to constitutional amendment’
The stage we have in front of us is a critical point. Once the talks on constitution are completed, a referendum will be held. Now, here, everybody must watch their words in this regard. This constitutional amendment is a request for an efficient governing. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is the common value for everyone (in Turkey). Efforts of portraying Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk demonstrate that there are certain other political calculations. Our political views and life styles may be different... But please, do not try to manage the referendum by using Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s name in the year 2017...”