CHP Chairperson Özgür Özel Addresses the Public in Front of the Turkish House in New York

“FROM NOW ON, OUR OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS WILL BE HELD IN THE TURKISH HOUSE, NOT HOTEL LOBBIES”

“SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL’S SUPPORT FOR EU MEMBERSHIP IS OF CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE”

“AS CHP, WE WILL CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR THE OPPRESSED ACROSS THE WORLD”

Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairperson Özgür Özel, speaking in front of the Turkish House building in New York, emphasized the significance of utilizing the Turkish House for official engagements, stating, “From now on, the Republican People’s Party will exclusively hold its official meetings in the Turkish House, provided the conditions are suitable. We will no longer hold our engagements in hotel rooms, lobbies, or conference halls.” He also highlighted the critical importance of the Socialist International’s endorsement of Turkey’s EU membership aspirations, saying, “The unwavering support of the Socialist International, with its 77 member states, for Turkey’s EU membership is of immense importance. Governments may come and go, but these institutions endure. What truly matters is safeguarding Turkey’s rights and interests. As the Republican People’s Party, we will persist in advocating for Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the oppressed globally, without compromising our social democratic identity, which significantly enhances Turkey’s global standing.”

Speaking to journalists in front of the Turkish House during his visit to attend the Socialist International Presidents’ Council Meeting, Özel elaborated on his engagements:

“We visited our Ambassador and New York Consul General during a joint meeting. We received comprehensive briefings on the activities and engagements of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, along with updates about the local Turkish community from our Consul General. We also shared our perspectives on Turkey’s foreign policy.”

Özel further underlined the following points during his statement:

“OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS TO BE CONDUCTED AT THE TURKISH HOUSE”

“Being at the Turkish House today holds special significance for us. This building was originally acquired during the tenure of İhsan Sabri Çağlayangil in the 1970s, when Turkey purchased the headquarters of what was then the world’s largest computer company, established in the 1950s. It has been known as the Turkish House ever since. Ambassador Namık Tan played a pivotal role in the building’s reconstruction process, and in 2017, it was demolished and rebuilt into its current form. The building also hosts the representative office of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, making it a source of pride for all of us. As announced previously, the Republican People’s Party will now ensure that all official engagements in New York are conducted at the Turkish House, in alignment with its suitability. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its esteemed officials have been extremely accommodating and hospitable in this regard.”

“SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL’S SUPPORT FOR EU MEMBERSHIP IS CRUCIAL”

“We met with Mr. Ersin Tatar today in the building. As you may have seen or will see in your coverage, he extended his special thanks for the Socialist International’s stance on Cyprus. As the Republican People’s Party, we reaffirmed our commitment to the Cyprus cause. Let me reiterate this: domestic politics in Turkey may continue with intense debates and polarization. Currently, we are Turkey’s main opposition party, the leading party of the last elections, and hopefully, the leading and governing party of the next elections. However, when abroad, we represent Turkey. In defending the Cyprus cause, in Turkey’s international relations, and particularly in the EU membership process, we are Turkey’s strongest advocate. Whether in opposition or in power, we will uphold this stance. The full support of the Socialist International for Turkey’s EU membership, formalized without any objections during its meeting in Bucharest, is of monumental importance. Governments may come and go, but these institutions endure. What truly matters is the protection of Turkey’s rights and interests. As the Republican People’s Party, we will persist in our advocacy for Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and all the oppressed globally, without compromising our social democratic principles while fully recognizing the global strength this identity provides to Turkey.”

“THE U.S. FAILED TO PROTECT ITS CITIZEN”

“For three days, the primary focus of our discussions has been Palestine, and this will remain a priority. I wish to express my deep sorrow over the response of the United States and President Biden regarding Ayşenur, a dual citizen of Turkey and the U.S., who was fatally shot in the head by Israel. The dismissive stance of labeling it as ‘a potential ricochet’ is deeply troubling. While we stood by our citizen, the U.S., despite its global strength, failed to protect its own citizen, Ayşenur, due to its vulnerabilities concerning Israel. I reiterate this criticism to the relevant authorities.”

“WE WILL OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGING TIMES”

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our Embassy, and all diplomatic staff for their unwavering efforts. Turkey and the world are facing challenging times, but we will overcome them. We will continue to work tirelessly for a future where Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus achieve even greater prominence at the United Nations. I also thank you for your interest in our delegation over the past three days and for amplifying our voice to the world.”

“A GESTURE, IF MADE, WAS RECIPROCATED”

When asked about the allegations of bribery involving New York Mayor Eric Adams in connection with the Turkish House, Özel responded, “It is premature to make any definitive statements. Our Ambassadors have shared objective insights about the matter. However, I must say that the Republic of Turkey does not resort to bribery in the U.S. and is not in such a position of weakness. Following the attack where NTV journalist Didem lost an eye, Turkey made a significant gesture to the U.S. If a gesture was made for this building, it was more than reciprocated with the magnificent space allocated for the U.S. Embassy in Ankara. This is not something measurable in monetary terms; strong alliances naturally entail such gestures.”

“THIS IS NOT THE TIME OR PLACE”

When asked about the ongoing Halkbank case and other legal proceedings involving Turkey, Özel stated, “We have been closely following these cases and have strong criticisms of the government’s handling of these matters. However, this is not the time or place for such discussions. These matters are addressed in Ankara, and all necessary statements have been and will continue to be made there.”