ANKARA

The leader of Turkey’s opposition party said Thursday that creating a 19 – 22-mile- (30-35-kilometer)-long safe zone would secure not only Turkey but the region. 

“Our hope is that a new distraction process should not have been put into effect,” National Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli told a press conference at the party headquarters in Ankara. “Following the establishment of Joint Operation Centre, a safe zone should be established according to Turkey’s rightful and legitimate demands.”

Bahceli said neutralizing terrorist activities threatening Turkey’s national survival is a great need in terms of geopolitics.

“The safe-zone should not protect the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, but it should protect Turkey’s security. The U.S. should not contradict with the moral of alliance,” he said, and added that the safe-zone should also be prepared for Syrian refugees.

He said the U.S. must understand and respect Turkey.

“The U.S. must keep its distance from terrorist organizations. It must definitely give up the shipment of armament, and make amends,” Bahceli said.

Stressing that the PKK/YPG terror organization will not be allowed east of the Euphrates, he said: “We must focus on what national survival requires.”

*Writing by Rabia Iclal Turan;