In his weekly statement on external developments, Sağlam have made important evaluations regarding the decision of the United States to impose sanctions on Turkey, the attack targeting students in Afghanistan and the persecution of Muslims in India.

The United States sanctions on Turkey

“The United States decided to impose sanctions on Turkey under the (U.S. Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) CAATSA, which requires the President to sanction targeted Iranian, Russian, and North Korean sectors, and penalize direct or indirect support of them. So, first time the act has been used against a fellow member of the NATO alliance. With this decision, the United States has once again shown that what the words of “ally” and “friend” are meant for it. For the United States, the notion of friendship and alliance means to surrender completely to it in all areas and to guard its interests. Those who do not do so are hostile countries that will be sanctioned. We condemn these sanctions and this imperialist mentality,” Sağlam said, and urging Turkey not to give in to the sanctions, and to pursue an honorable and principled policy that is required to be a sovereign and independent state.

Sağlam continued his remarks as follows: “Turkey should determine its economic, political and military policies by prioritizing the interests of his people and the neighboring nations. It should take a tough stance and retaliate against U.S sanctions. All options should be at table, including closing US bases, especially Incirlik and Kürecik air and radar bases.”

The attack on a madrasah during a “khatim ceremony” in Afghanistan

Touching on the recent violent attacks in Afghanistan, Sağlam said: “At least 15 students, including 11 children, were killed and more than 20 others injured in an attack on a madrasah during a “khatim ceremony” in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province. On the other hand, 6 civilians were killed in the attack in Balkh and Helmand provinces. Tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives since the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001. In a time when the peace process between the Afghan government and the Taliban continues, and the deal has been reached for the occupation forces to leave the region, these attacks targeting civilians show that civil war and instability are desirable in the country. We condemn the attacks targeting civilians, wish Allah's mercy on our brothers who lost their lives, immediate healing to the injured and our condolences to all Afghan people.”

“India has become a dangerous place for Muslims”

Referring to “the South Asia Status of Minorities Report 2020” by the South Asia Collective, Sağlam went on to say: According to the South Asia Status of Minorities Report 2020 by the South Asia Collective, India’s national register of citizens has put millions of Muslims at risk of becoming stateless. The report also drew attention to the increasing anti-Islamism in India. The fascist Modi government aims to leave 180 million Muslims stateless with the new legislation as well as legal regulations preventing the freedom of worship of Muslims and the steps to change the ethnic and religious structure of the region in Jammu Kashmir. A law that bans inter-religions marriage in one of Indian states was used as a means of oppression against Muslims. The security forces stormed wedding ceremonies in order to prevent Muslim men from marrying Hindu girls. The silence in the Islamic world is particularly worrisome against the fascist Indian government, which follows an aggressive policy against the freedom of religion and worship of the Muslim population of about 180 million and openly declares that its aim is to uniform the ethnic and religious population in the country.”

Sağlam also called on international community to support Kashmiri Muslims against the Indian government, and to ensure the freedom of religion and belief in the country.

“Muslim people, especially those in Turkey, should force their administration to implement deterrent mechanisms that include diplomatic and economic sanctions against India. Otherwise, the Muslims of Jammu Kashmir and India will face the persecution suffered by the Palestinian and Arakan people,” Sağlam concluded. (ILKHA)