TKP protests Mecca Agreement in Ankara

The Ankara Provincial Organization of the Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) gathered in Sakarya Square to protest against the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, warning that it could drag Turkey into Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen. Hundreds of people participated in the demonstration, calling for a struggle against the agreement's ratification in Parliament.

A bill concerning the ratification of the agreement signed between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia on 7 August is expected to be brought before the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. The second most debated article of the bill stipulates that an armed attack or military aggression from outside sources against one of the parties will be considered an attack against all parties.

Prior to the action, TKP sent an open letter to members of parliament warning that the agreement could drag Turkey into the war waged by Saudi Arabia in Yemen. The party stated that supporting the Saudi Arabian government, which acts in the interests of the US and Israel, was not in the public interest and announced its opposition to the agreement's ratification in Parliament.

'The people of this country will not die for the Saudis.'

Speaking to the crowd gathered in Sakarya Square, Ali Ufuk Arikan, a member of the Central Committee of TKP, said that the demonstration was a meeting of patriots and those who defend the interests of the country's impoverished people. Stating that they opposed Turkey being made a part of the war plans of the US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, Arikan said, “This country is not for sale; we love our homeland with our hearts, not with checkbooks or the money in our pockets like some others. We stand with the poor people of this country.”

Arikan, emphasizing that the agreement could drag Turkey into war, called on those supporting the decision to speak openly. Arikan said, “Let them bravely stand before the people of this country and say, ‘We will kill the youth of this country for the Saudis.’ Let them say, ‘We will shed the blood of the citizens of this country for Israel.’ But let them say it bravely, not hypocritically.”

Arikan stated that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was being attempted to be implemented without being debated in Parliament, and drew attention to the possible consequences of Turkey assuming military responsibilities under the agreement. Saying that Turkey's Chief of General Staff was sent to Riyadh, Arikan stated, "They didn't even need a parliamentary decision to send this country's soldiers and people into war. Yet they know very well that they cannot declare this war without a parliamentary decision."

'Will the people of this country go and kill the people of Yemen?'

Criticizing the government's statements that the agreement would "disrupt Israel's plans," Arikan reminded them of the Yemeni people's support for Palestine. Arikan asked, "The Palestinian resistance is evident! The Yemeni people you are attacking are giving their lives for Palestine; thousands have died! Will the people of this country go and kill the Yemeni people? Are you now going to drop bombs on a people who are fighting for Palestine and losing their fellow citizens?"

Referring to claims that the agreement could not be broken for 10 years, Arikan opposed tying Turkey's future to the interests of other countries. Arikan said, "With what audacity, with what right, with what law did you get the idea that you could mortgage the future of this country, its next 10 years? How can you think that you can mortgage the country for the interests of the Saudis, Israel, or Trump?"

Arikan emphasized that neo-Ottoman goals lie behind Turkey's potential involvement in a military intervention in Yemen, stating that on one side are Israel, the US, and Saudi Arabia, and on the other are the people defending their land and lives.

'This is a test of honor.'

Arikan stated that Turkey's workers and youth would oppose being sent to war for the interests of other countries, saying, "You cannot kill this country's youth for Saudi oil. Will our country stand alongside Netanyahu, Trump, and the Saudi king?"

Referring to US President Donald Trump's statements about Turkey, Arikan said, "This country is not just made up of the people you met with! In the history of this country, there are those who drove the 6th Fleet into the sea! In the history of this country, there are revolutionaries, communists, patriots, and Republicans who protected the land and stones of this country!"

Arikan, also recalling the open letter sent by TKP to its MPs, said that the MPs' attitudes would be decisive during the discussion of the agreement in Parliament. Arikan said, "They play the role of the bravest, most revolutionary, and greatest supporter of the Palestinian people at every opportunity. Stop the hypocrisy, you will be tested in Parliament!"

Arikan concluded his speech with a call to the members of parliament: “Go to that parliamentary podium and say, ‘This country has not a single young person to sacrifice to invaders and murderers!’ This is a test of honor. You may not pass that test of honor, but you will see; the people of this country will pass this test of honor with flying colors!”