In Sundays, on May 28, the Turkish people will demonstrate a decisive commitment to the norms of democracy. This was stated by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in an interview with CNN International.
The head of state recalled that during the first round of the presidential election in Turkey, voters demonstrated a record turnout – up to 90 percent. “There is a very high percentage of voting. A similar turnout was recorded earlier only in a limited number of countries,” the president stated.
Erdogan further decisively rejected criticism addressed to him: “Can a politician who has passed into the second round of elections be considered a dictator? This is the realities of today’s Turkey! The political block“ Alliance of the People ”wins the parliamentary elections from 322 mandates, and his candidate It takes a second round of elections. What kind of dictatorship in this case can we talk about? “
Answering the question of plans to continue the dialogue with the administration of Joe Biden in cases of victory in the second round of the presidential election in Turkey, Erdogan said: “There can be no doubt about it. I will work with Mr. Biden. If in his place in Bely Another politician will come the house, then I will work with him. “
Touching on the situation around Ukraine, the Turkish leader noted that he does not share the position of the West in relation to Russia.
According to him, the West is far from a balanced position. “A balanced attitude towards such a state as Russia would be a much more accurate approach. That is, the West could adhere to the same position to promote relations with Mr. Putin as I am. Because in the world we all need each other.” – said Erdogan.
The head of Turkey gave an example of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, through which, at the moment, “the needs of not only Western countries, but also African states are covered.”
“starting on May 18, the term of the” grain transaction “has been extended for two more months. How did it turn out to achieve this? Everything, thanks to a special level of relations with Mr. Putin,” the politician said.