MHP leader Bahçeli accuses US of acting contrary to 'rules of alliances'
Amid signs of mending ties between Ankara and Washington, the leader of Turkey’s opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has blasted the U.S. as "an unreliable country."
Speaking with journalists in parliament on Tuesday, Devlet Bahçeli said that the U.S. had violated the "rules of alliances" in its treatment of Turkey.
"If the U.S. primarily took a kind approach to Turkey's demands, then the Turkish nation would do what is necessary," said Bahçeli.
"But the U.S. isn’t doing that."
He added: "I think the U.S. would do well to examine itself."
The two countries on Monday partially restored visa services after a row over Turkish staffers of a U.S. mission being arrested for alleged ties to Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), the group behind last year’s defeated coup.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım also arrived in the U.S. on Tuesday to start a four-day trip.
His meeting with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday is expected to cover a wide range of bilateral issues, including areas of disagreement such as the extradition of FETÖ leader Fetullah Gulen and the U.S. arming of the terrorist PKK/PYD in Syria.
Bahçeli also touted next week’s visit by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Russia.
Erdoğan will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Nov. 13 in the Russian city of Sochi.
The two leaders are expected to discuss the ongoing civil war in Syria and energy cooperation between the two countries.
"Notably, with telephone diplomacy strengthening international relations, I see a benefit to proper visits," said Bahçeli.
"Because the persecution of more than millions of people in the Middle East should be stopped through people talking each other."
Touting his party’s support to the government in foreign policy and the fight against terrorism, he said, "In Turkey's recent state, such support is a must."
He added: "There’s no sense in pursuing partisanship."
The MHP prominently lent its support to the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party after last year's coup attempt by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ).
The MHP also backed the AK Party's Yes campaign ahead of April's constitutional referendum, as well as the government’s Syria and Iraq policy.
Asked about the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) call to hold early local elections in the wake of several mayor resigning, Bahçeli said he respected the call, but that his party opposes early polls.
Turkey is scheduled to hold local elections in March 2019.
