CHP Leader Özgür Özel: “We Have a Strategy to Implement the Copenhagen Criteria and Secure EU Membership Once in Power”

“WE MUST LEAD IN PEACE AND DEMOCRACY”

“I PROMISE COOPERATION AND SUPPORT”

Republican People’s Party Leader Özgür Özel attended the European Union Council preparatory meeting of social democratic leaders, organized at the invitation of the Party of European Socialists and joined by heads of state, prime ministers, and deputy prime ministers.

CHP Chair Özel addressed the meeting, which was also attended by European Union Commission President Antonio Costa, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, stating:

“As Europe’s social democrats, we must lead in peace and democracy. I attach great importance to the European Union’s cooperation with Turkey. It was a mistake not to invite Turkey’s Foreign Minister to Paris, but inviting him to London was the right decision. A meeting with President Erdoğan tonight is also significant. Europe must stand with Turkey and draw the country closer.”

“NEGOTIATIONS SHOULD BE BASED ON DEMOCRACY”

“Once in power, we have a strategy to rapidly implement the Copenhagen Criteria and achieve European Union membership. Until then, instead of engaging in unprincipled give-and-take relations with Erdoğan, negotiations with Turkey should proceed on the basis of democracy and freedoms. Conducting negotiations on the foundation of democracy would be an important step for both Europe and Turkey. All of Europe’s and Turkey’s expectations and demands can be resolved through democracy and solidarity.”

“I WILL DO MY PART”

“As the leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, currently leading in the polls and having won municipalities covering 80% of the economy and 65% of the population in the last local elections, I promise cooperation and support. I will fulfill my responsibilities regarding the steps Turkey needs to take in this regard.”

BILATERAL MEETINGS WITH LEADERS

Within the scope of the meeting, CHP Leader Özgür Özel also held bilateral talks with participating heads of state, prime ministers, and social democratic leaders.