AK Party-CHP coalition talks to intensify on core issues


Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek said talks with the Republican People's Party (CHP) will intensify this week and major topics will be discussed.

Speaking on TV on Monday, Şimşek commented on the latest developments along with their impacts on the state of the economy. Indicating that talks with the CHP for forming a powerful government that will make permanent reforms are continuing, he said: "In fact, there is not much of a partner to negotiate with us.

"One of the parties adopted an attitude as they do not want to play this game. The other one's not denying organic links with terror and makes negotiation impossible. There remains the main opposition party. This week, negotiations will intensify and main topic will be discussed."

Şimşek also said economic issues will be the last item and that he feels preparations for early elections are ongoing for both sides along with the talks. "I do not want to comment on the CHP's pledges. Everyone gave their position in the electoral process. Our resources are restricted. Further expenditures would both damage external balances and Turkey would be dragged into a dangerous situation for doing this with loaned money," he said.

Indicating that although the economic situation is unclear owing to the results of the June 7 general elections, Şimşek emphasized the necessity of Turkey's last operations against the PKK and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS): "Namely, we never allow terrorist organizations conducting operations in Turkey because it will have impacts on markets. Turkey's recent stance is appropriate. We should never make concessions for terror and violence."

Regarding the latest nuclear deal between world powers and Iran, Şimşek said the deal will definitely favor Turkey's economic ties with Iran. He said: "The solution of one of the geopolitical risk components in the region is generally positive. However, when you look at it from the political perspective, Turkey and Iran are in competition. Iran is an important actor in the region. It is an incident that [Turkey and] Iran have confronted in the background of many issues."