President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the First Judicial Conference of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member and the Observer States held in Istanbul with the theme of "The Role of Higher Judiciary in Protecting the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights."

"Oppressions that hurt consciences take place today in many parts of the world"

"Oppressions that hurt consciences take place today in many parts of the world, particularly in our region," President Erdoğan underlined, and said: "The aim of those, who seek to put the Islamic world under pressure by means of such terrorist organizations as DAESH, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and FETO, is to drain Muslims' lifeblood."

President Erdoğan added that there cannot be exploitation, genocide, enmity, injustice or unfair distribution of income in a place where there are Muslims.

Also touching upon the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, President Erdoğan recalled that they have handed over the evidence in hand to the U.S. intelligence organization and officials as well as other Western countries, and added that this is what the justice calls for.

"At the basis of the policies, Turkiye pursues in its region lies its quest to establish justice"

At the basis of the policies, Turkiye pursues in its region lies Turkiye’s stance on the side of the oppressed against the oppressor as well as its quest to effectively establish justice on the ground, President Erdoğan underlined.

Noting that those who allowed the destruction of Iraq and Syria under the disguise of the fight against DAESH are just as guilty as those who razed these two countries to the ground.

Saying that one of the most striking examples of this is seen in Syria, President Erdoğan continued as follows: "A terrorist organization, occupying one-third of the Syrian soil, commits every kind of oppression and treason with the support of the U.S. and some European countries."

"No doubt, we are waging a more effective fight against this terrorist organization since it directly targets our country. Actually, the Islamic world should all together fight against this organization because, a part of Syria is tried to be taken away from our civilization and culture, and a dagger is sought to be struck into our heart by the hands of this organization."

"It is out of the question for us to allow such an organization, such a threat with our eyes open. Therefore, we are determined to establish peace and security east of the Euphrates, just as we have done in Jarabulus and Afrin as well as in Idlib with the agreement we have reached with Russia. They should eradicate these terrorist organizations, or else we will do it."

Underscoring that the treacherous attack from Tell Rifaat on the Turkish soldiers in Afrin has shown how rightful the intervention decision is, President Erdoğan said: "85-90 percent of the people living in Manbij are Arabs, but they have completely given it to those terrorist organizations. They have promised us to clear that area and send them east of the Euphrates, but they have not. Now, we say, you either clear it or we enter Manbij."  

“Turkiye has already lost a lot of time to intervene in the terror swamp east of the Euphrates”

"Turkiye has already lost a lot of time to intervene in the terror swamp east of the Euphrates," President Erdoğan further stressed, adding: "From now on, we cannot afford even a one-day delay. The situation we have come across with on the ground in Afrin operation has been certified with our intelligence units' reports. This data is enough for us to see what is being done east of the Euphrates and what we will face with if we do not take immediate action."

President Erdoğan continued as follows: "With the steps, we take in Syria, we not only ensure the security of our country but also protect the dignity of the Ummah and all the humanity. Anyone, who does not run after their own calculations and addresses the issue with justice, will see this truth. What falls to those, who genuinely pursue peace, justice, and morals in the region, is to support Turkiye in this struggle."

ILKHA