Main opposition leader Ozel set to visit Syria and Palestine, timeline not decided yet
CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel (in photo) and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Chairman Tufan Erhurman hold a joint press conference at the CHP Headquarters in Ankara, Türkiye June 26, 2024. (AA Photo)
Ilhan Uzgel, Deputy Chair responsible for Foreign Affairs in the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), spoke about CHP Chair Ozgur Ozel’s planned visits to Syria and Palestine.
He also maintained that the timeline of these visits is not confirmed yet.
Denial of Syrian media claims
Uzgel rejected claims made by the Syrian publication al-Watan that Ozel’s visit is not on the cards and that the CHP is not given appointments because it is close to the West.
“That is not the case,” Uzgel confirmed.
“The process is progressing positively. The timeline remains uncertain but we have an official request submitted through the consulate here, and they have responded. Both sides have indicated that a meeting is possible, and the timing is being worked on,” Uzgel said.
He further noted that the factors of Russia and Iran also come into play. Talks with Syria are continuing, but there is no definitive timeline yet.
“The process is moving forward positively; Syrian officials have never refused,” he added.
‘Not to intervene’
Emphasizing that the CHP aims to assist rather than to intervene in both countries’ internal matters, Uzgel stated: “They may also want to see how talks progress on the government side. But our goal here is not to intervene but to contribute to resolving the problem. Since 2011, CHP’s position has been to see the Assad regime as legitimate and engage with it. We are trying to do our part in resolving the issue and overcoming deadlocks.”
‘Complications involved’
The CHP official noted that the visit to Palestine could not be finalized because of ongoing conflicts.
He explained the process was necessarily coordinated with both Ramallah and Israeli authorities.
Uzgel highlighted the complications involved in planning the visit, saying: “There is also the possibility of further intervention by Iran. Therefore, we are in talks with both Israel and Ramallah. Discussions with Israel are necessary because travel to Ramallah goes through Tel Aviv.”
“No matter where you come from, you have to pass through Israel to reach Ramallah. We are working to synchronize both sides, but we expect the visit to take place in September,” he added.
Planned visits to UK, US
Uzgel confirmed that a visit to the U.K. and the U.S. is planned for the end of September, stating: “There is the Labour Party conference in the U.K., and we will attend with a delegation including myself and our General Secretary.”
“Whether our chair will attend depends on his health. In New York, the Socialist International Council meeting will also be held. Our chair is a Vice President of Socialist International, and he is expected to deliver a speech there,” Uzgel concluded.
