Opposition parties criticize airstrikes on Syria

TURKEY’S opposition political parties have voiced criticism over the U.S.-led strikes against Syria’s Bashar Assad regime after the chemical attacks on Eastern Ghouta and Douma, allegedly carried out by Assad forces.

The chairman of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu said Saturday that he does not approve of the U.S.-led airstrike on Assad regime targets in Syria.

Addressing businessmen in the southeastern province of Hatay, Kılıçdaroğlu claimed that the U.S. and Russia are displaying a power struggle in Syria over oil and gas, and said they should keep their hands off of the region. He expressed that he is against the use of chemical weapons, but said he is not convinced on whether the Assad regime used chemical weapons.

The opposition chairman said he would not have an objection if a U.N. committee had carried out an investigation finding solid evidence of chemical weapons being produced and used by the regime.

The conservative Saadet Party (Felicity Party) also said the attacks on Syria against the use of chemical attacks have similar motivations as the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. “Since 2003, not even one chemical weapon has been found in Iraq. We are afraid the same game is being played in Syria,” Saadet Party Deputy Chairman Mehmet Karaman said. The newly established national İYİ Party (Good Party) also released a statement saying the attack against Assad was justifiable only if it can be proved that chemical weapons were used.

The neo-nationalist Vatan Party (Patriotic Party), known for its strong support of Assad, also voiced strong opposition to the attacks. Vatan Party’s Deputy Chairman Mehmet Bedri Gültekin said “lies” on use of chemical weapons have been previously used. He added that the missiles sent into Syria are also targeting Turkey.