President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered questions on current issues in a joint interview held by Kanal D and CNN Türk at the Çankaya Presidential Palace.
Noting that the agenda had been busy due to the recent floods and fires, President Erdoğan said, "While we were dealing with the fire, we also faced a flood disaster."
In response to a question on forest fires, President Erdoğan stated that they were substantially under control. Expressing that he spoke with the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli about the latest status of the efforts before the live broadcast, President Erdoğan continued as follows:
"I spoke with Mr. Pakdemirli; he indicated that the situation was largely under control. He added, 'Today, a new fire incident has occurred in Burdur-Bucak, but it is under our control'. When it comes to equipment, we have demonstrated a truly significant power through airplanes, helicopters, all of our fire trucks and water tenders, and this power has significantly increased our fire extinguishing success rate. Our helicopters have played a pivotal role. Airplanes have also played a major role and continue to do so. They can swiftly draw water from the seas and transfer it to the extinguishing area, and our helicopters can do the same. Türkiye has reached a good point so far, and we will continue to improve this. Hundreds of water tenders are circling the field, along with dozens of helicopters and planes. They conduct a considerable number of sorties."
After being reminded that various allegations were made regarding the cause of the fires and that they could be the work of terrorist organisations, President Erdoğan remarked, "We can confidently state that from the moment the fires broke out, we concentrated on all possibilities regarding the cause of the fires and police investigations have been carried out. Aside from our police department's investigations, and notably the efforts of our entire organisation stationed there, numerous investigations have been conducted to determine whether such a thing was possible or not."
Recalling that people had been detained and arrested as part of the ongoing investigations, President Erdoğan said, "Along with this, there are other pieces of intelligence that we have received. Namely, we have information gathered by our National Intelligence Organisation, information collected by the National Police, but we also know that there are people who have family members who are associated with a terrorist organisation."
"Our country has nearly two centuries of institutional experience in the fight against fires"
In response to a question on his opinion regarding "the kind of crisis management demonstrated throughout the firefighting process" and "the criticism of inadequacy in responding to fires", President Erdoğan stated, "Our country has nearly two centuries of institutional experience in the fight against fires. In addition, it has a wide range of technological infrastructure."
Noting that the fight against forest fires is conducted and managed from the Fire Management Centre in accordance with the annual Fire Action Plans prepared by the General Directorate of Forestry, President Erdoğan stated that land vehicles and aircrafts had been renewed and their numbers increased as part of the fight against fires over the last 19 years.
Stating that the number of water tenders, which play a critical role in the firefighting on land, increased by 70% to 1078, President Erdoğan said, "We have purchased 281 more water supply vehicles. We have purchased 2,270 first responders to respond to fires as quickly as possible. We have increased our construction equipment park by 125% to 682. We have improved the efficiency of our firefighting aviation fleet. Our firefighting planes' water discharge capacity has been enhanced. Of course, we chose to rent in this case as well. In addition, friendly countries provided assistance, which was greatly appreciated."
Stating that the number of helicopters, which are the most critical aircraft for extinguishing fires in the country's geography, was 18 in 2002, and that they have increased this figure to 39 this year, President Erdoğan pointed out that the number of helicopters increased even more during the fires with the support of other countries.
In response to the question, "When will the houses of those whose residences were damaged by the fire begin to be built? When will the losses of the villagers who lost their livestock be compensated? Craftsmen and artisans continue to face difficulties; is something being planned for them, and will a package of actions be implemented?" President Erdoğan added that the damage assessment committees were activated on the first day of the fire and began working under the supervision of the governors.
President Erdoğan said, "Our plan was to give the go-ahead for construction to begin within a month. In this regard, TOKİ (Housing Development Administration of Turkey) has undertaken the work, and we will begin our construction within one month. The goal is to finish these constructions within a year. The goal is to construct and finish the houses burned within the area where the fires occurred in the most proper way and in the most appropriate places at the end of one year. Our Ministry of Environment and Urbanization has already taken steps in this direction and has even begun to do so gradually. We are taking these steps in every region where a fire has occurred, and we plan to begin delivering these houses by the end of the first year."
"In the aftermath of the recent fires, we will commence afforestation initiatives in these areas right away"
When asked about the allegations over whether the burned areas would be zoned for construction, President Erdoğan pointed out that Article 169 of the Constitution clearly states that "New forests are grown in the place of the burned forests," and added, "You cannot make these areas be zoned for construction, and other kinds of agriculture and livestock activities cannot be performed in these areas. It's evident how we've reforested burned forests thus far. In the aftermath of the recent fires, we will commence afforestation initiatives in these areas right away."
Recalling that they declared November 11 as "National Tree Planting Day" in 2019, President Erdoğan said that in this context, they brought together millions of saplings with students from across the country.
President Erdoğan stated that they would continue to expand their forest assets and build new forests in the same manner as they did with the "Breath for the Future" project.
In response to the question, "Many future reports predict a high number of disasters and marginal air movements, which will have a significant impact on daily life. Is it required to adopt new measures if these realities are to be experienced in the coming period? Is there a process in place, such as a Ministry of Disaster?" President Erdoğan expressed the following:
"Just because something is called "ministry," doesn't guarantee it accomplishes great things. What matters is that the institutions be extremely powerful. Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) is currently serving as a ministry for us."
President Erdoğan stated that AFAD would continue to grow in strength from now on.
Stating that social media disinformation was also combatted during the firefighting process, upon the question, "What is your comment on this issue, is there a need for a regulation?" President Erdoğan said, "I personally do not have a positive view on social media at all, and I believe that with the opening of the parliament, it is necessary to carry out a study on social media. In other words, instead of thinking about what is correct and truthful, our citizens are, unfortunately, moving in a totally different way as a result of this false and fake news."
"Manipulation and disinformation are a dime a dozen"
Emphasising that this should not be allowed, President Erdoğan continued as follows:
"Let Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) solve everything. What should RTÜK deal with? Look what a Twitter incident in the United States lead to. 'We have an office in Türkiye,' they say. You are lying; you do not have an office in Türkiye. You do not have any personnel commissioned in Türkiye at the moment. Then, we must make them pay for it. You will open your office, pay your taxes and all. If you do not, you will pay the price. With the opening of the parliament, I, as the overseer of the issue, believe it is vital to carry out our works in a different path."
When asked about international support for Türkiye in the fight against forest fires, President Erdoğan stated that Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and later, Spain supported the country.
Stating that Ukraine sent three planes and stepped in with four helicopters, President Erdoğan noted that they received support from Kazakhstan and Georgia and that Moldova, Belarus, Poland, Austria and France each sent a helicopter.
President Erdoğan stated that these planes and helicopters are actively deployed to put out fires at various locations and that they make the task much easier.
Recalling that messages of solidarity with "get-well" wishes were received from many countries and international organisations during this process, President Erdoğan said, "On behalf of myself and my nation, I send my greetings, love and respect to these countries with the most heartfelt feelings."
"Our borders are completely surrounded by walls"
Upon the question "What is Türkiye's policy regarding Afghan immigrants?" President Erdoğan reminded that nearly 4 million immigrants came from Syria and that many of these Syrians with professions and arts became citizens.
Pointing out that the situation the Afghan people are in during these recent events is very distressing, President Erdoğan said:
"The Taliban and these people are currently going through a very difficult process. We are also putting in some efforts to address this issue. What are we doing, exactly? Our relevant institutions are working, including some discussions with the Taliban. We will not be able to establish peace in Afghanistan if we are unable to take control over this matter at a high level and if they are not brought under control. There are now people in Afghanistan who are almost our cognates, so to speak. With all of this, we are now taking certain actions and enlisting with whom we can collaborate. In the same vein, I had a meeting with Qatar tonight. We discussed at which point we could put an end to the Taliban's advances and take a step toward peace. This is what you refer to as diplomacy.
President Erdoğan stated that 505,375 foreigners were prevented from entering Türkiye illegally on the country's eastern and southern borders in 2020, adding, "We are a country that has achieved this."
Pointing out that this amount was around 253,300 in 2021, President Erdoğan said, "We have also achieved this. Our authorised institutions repatriate a considerable number of the detained Afghan irregular migrants back to Afghanistan.
President Erdoğan noted that a security wall was built on 156 kilometres of the Iranian border, works for an 85-kilometre wall were now underway, and a 109-kilometre portion was outfitted with illumination as part of physical security measures. Indicating that camera and sensor systems were erected for a distance of 79 kilometres; President Erdoğan added that irregular migrant movements were constantly monitored via these camera systems.
President Erdoğan explained that in addition to these measures, thermal cameras were utilised to deter night crossings while UAVs were used to maintain control of the borders, and he went on to say, "90% of the electronic and communication towers that will be installed along 740 kilometres of our eastern border and play a critical role in integrated border management have been completed. The Turkish National Police and General Command of Gendarmerie despatched additional troops to our border regions and areas identified as irregular migrant routes. What is the point of all these precautions? We take them to avert this irregular migration."
Upon the question, "Will additional policies be established, such as mandatory PCR testing for people who haven't been vaccinated before entering closed and public areas? There are, however, many who argue that adopting such a program would be a violation of human rights. What are your thoughts on this?" President Erdoğan stated that he disagreed with their assessment of the issue as a human rights violation.
Underscoring that the state's duty was to protect the health of its citizens, President Erdoğan added, "From the hospital to the medicine, it is the state's duty to supply whatever is required for the protection of health. This duty has been met by us. At this time, overconfident countries of the world have almost not progressed to the degree that we have in healthcare."
Pointing out that, by building city hospitals, they elevated Türkiye to a new level in the world, President Erdoğan remarked, "Right now, vaccination is the most powerful weapon we have in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. We must acknowledge this."
"We will hear the good news before the end of the year"
Asked as to when the TURKOVAC vaccine would start to be used, President Erdoğan answered, "Currently, our relevant hospitals are putting in a lot of effort. The vaccine is presently in Phase 3. So far, the results look to be encouraging. We will most likely hear the good news before the end of the year."
Upon the question, "Will schools start, will there be face-to-face education this year?" President Erdoğan reminded that the Minister of National Education had changed.
President Erdoğan made the following remark: "Of course, we will discuss the good news with our new Minister of National Education at the cabinet meeting we will hold on Monday next week. He'll give us a presentation during the cabinet meeting, and this is one of the issues he'll cover. Our hope is to be able to switch to face-to-face education."
"We continue our work on the new constitution, and we carried out the latest session yesterday"
Upon the question, "Is there a difference of opinion between the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the AK Party on the new constitution?" President Erdoğan made the following statement:
"We continue our work on the new constitution, and we carried out the latest session yesterday. Meanwhile, we, as the other party of the People's Alliance, and also the Nationalist Movement Party, brought preparations at the beginning of the work. Our delegation worked on it. We hope to bring it to a near-final stage before the opening of the Parliament."
Upon the question, "What kind of roadmap will be followed regarding the economy in the coming days?" President Erdoğan replied, "During this whole process, that is, throughout the pandemic, we have continuously announced support packages. This pandemic adversely affected the political and economic transformation that was already going on in the world. Economic shrinkage is actually one of these effects."
Olympics
Asked about Türkiye's success in the Tokyo Olympic Games, President Erdoğan reminded that during the candidacy process for hosting the Olympics, Japan and Türkiye made it to the finals.
Recalling that Mete Gazoz made history in archery and brought the first medal, President Erdoğan said:
"This is above all kinds of pride. Busenaz brought us the gold medal for the first time in women. The second Buse Naz was actually going to bring the gold medal to us as well. They did wrong, an injustice to Çakıroğlu in the refereeing committee. We could have won both of the gold medals. Both Sürmeneli and Çakıroğlu are our golden girls. Another noteworthy achievement for us is that, for the first time, we have achieved considerable success in gymnastics. We made it to the final. Apart from this, we could have won more medals in karate, in which we won our first medal. There were medals that we narrowly missed, unfortunately. It signifies that the infrastructure investments we have made so far have not been in vain. Yasemin is our first woman wrestler to win a bronze medal. Rıza and Taha winning the bronze... Now we have the world championship ahead of us. I believe that we will continue on our way with much better results in the world championship. All our athletes representing the crescent and star are the apple of our eyes, the crowns on our heads. I am proud of them all."
Stating that the Women's National Volleyball Team has likewise written an epic of success, President Erdoğan said, "The title was narrowly missed probably. I congratulate our volleyball players for their performance and collective success. We will watch and follow them in the world championship. We wish them continued success. Next, there are the 2020 Paralympic Games. I am confident that we will succeed there as well."