"We could label Hagia Sophia not as a museum but as a mosque," said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in an interview with two private TV channels.

"The entrance of Hagia Sophia could be free," he added while noted that tourists visit Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye Mosque without an entrance fee.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made remarks and answered questions on current issues in a joint interview with two Turkish private channels.

During the interview, held at the Presidential Pavilion at Yıldız Palace in Istanbul, President Erdoğan made remarks on the terrorist attack on Muslims in New Zealand, U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement about the Golan Heights, the latest developments in Syria, and the purchase of S-400 air defense systems and F-35 fighter jets.

The terrorist attack in New Zealand

Answering a question about the terrorist attack on Muslims in New Zealand, President Erdoğan underscored that it was not an individual but an organized act, adding that those who were behind this terrorist act should be identified.

President Erdoğan further stressed that the administration and the people of New Zealand have given a lesson of humanity with the sensitivity they have displayed following the attack.

US President Trump’s statement about the Golan Heights

Asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement about the Golan Heights, President Erdoğan, drawing attention to the United Nations resolution on the issue, noted that the European Union has also issued statements against U.S. President’s remarks.

Pointing out that President Emmanuel Macron also objected to Trump's statement during a phone call they held last night, President Erdoğan said that he will also voice it to US President Trump when they hold a talk.

Referring to the upcoming elections in occupied lands by zionists, President Erdoğan went on to say that it is sadly the US running the campaign of terrorist Benjamin Netanyahu.

"We call this the friendship of imperialism and zionism. In addition, this friendship threatens not only the regional but also global peace. It is a weakness and a betrayal to humanity to develop policies through blood and occupation." The President further noted that Turkiye will raise the issue at the UN, as well.

The operation to clear the east of the Euphrates

Responding to a question concerning Turkiye’s anti-terror fight, President Erdoğan said they are now in the final stage of the preparations of the operation to be conducted to clear the east of the Euphrates.

"The sole strategic truth of the operation that we are planning is to combat terror and put an end to the terrorism that targets humanity."

Noting that the Kurdish, Arab and Turkmen people in the region also want the PKK/PYD/YPG’s oppression to come to an end, President Erdoğan added they will do whatever is necessary to that end.

The purchase of S-400s and F-35s

Also touching upon the purchase of S-400 air defense systems and F-35 fighter jets, President Erdoğan underscored that Turkiye has paid 1.2 billion dollars for the F-35 project. Adding that two of the F-35s have so far been delivered and that another two will be delivered in the period ahead.

Mentioning the S-400 air defense systems, President Erdoğan said the necessary steps have already been taken with Russia on this issue and reiterated that it is out of the question for Turkiye to take a step back on this issue. (ILKHA)