Davutoğlu responds to the question about praying at the 'Umayyad Mosque'.

The General President of the Future Party, Ahmet Davutoğlu, answered questions regarding the agenda. Davutoğlu evaluated the situation regarding the PKK/YPG, stating, 'It is necessary to break the perception that all Kurds in Syria are under the control of the PKK or PYD,' and listed what Turkey needs to do.

'KURDS ARE NOT A THREAT TO TURKEY'

Davutoğlu used the following expressions: 'Kurds are not a threat to Turkey. You will approach them by saying, 'They are brothers, they share history, they share destiny.' Then, if there is a dispute? You will say it, you will talk to them. It is necessary to encourage the participation of Kurds in national reconciliation efforts. But which Kurds? Look, I just said that it is not right to engage solely with the Kurds under the control of the PYD in Hasakah. A national reconciliation council should be established as soon as possible, and the representation of Kurds supporting Turkey from not only Hasakah but also Hama, Aleppo, and Afrin should be ensured. Thus, it is necessary to break the perception that all Kurds in Syria are under the control of the PKK or PYD. If there are some advancements in the process highlighted by Bahçeli in Turkey, parallel contacts with the PYD may occur. One of the main actors here is America. A very clear message should be given to America: The militia structure here will dissolve, and the others can join the national army of Syria or become police. They can be local police, but they need to be structured in a way that does not pose a threat to Turkey.'

'THERE SHOULD BE NO MILITIA FORCE OR ARMY NEAR OUR BORDER, OUTSIDE OF A REGULAR ARMY'

Davutoğlu, who stated that the PKK/YPG would withdraw from certain regions, said, 'Our preference is for it to be a unitary state, but if Syrians agree on a kind of federative structure based on autonomy among themselves, it is not something to be feared for Turkey. For example, there could also be a Turkmen autonomy in another area. As long as there is no militia force or army near our border, outside of a regular army. In other words, a new Kandil should not be formed,' he said.

'I PLACE GREAT IMPORTANCE ON THE INITIATIVE TAKEN BY MR. BAHÇELİ'

Stating that 'the Kurdish issue has three legs,' Davutoğlu continued: 'The first is related to Turkey's overall democratization. In that sense, there is not only the Kurdish issue in Turkey, but there is also the Alevi issue, and the conservative issue. The second leg needs a new regional reconciliation, including the appointment of trustees. The third leg is reconciliation with the Kurdish people of Syria and Iraq. While Turkey democratizes itself, it will see the Kurds abroad as its own kin, just like the Turkmen. That is why I place great importance on the initiative taken by Mr. Bahçeli.'

'IT WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE TO HAVE AN OFFICIAL HIGH-LEVEL VISIT TO DAMASCUS UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MR. PRESIDENT'

In response to the question about whether he would go to pray at the 'Umayyad Mosque' in the capital of Syria, Damascus, Davutoğlu said, 'I receive invitations from almost every city. I may have short visits to other nearby cities, but it would be more appropriate to have an official high-level visit to Damascus under the leadership of Mr. President. May Allah grant peace and tranquility to the dear and brotherly people of Syria; if it is destined, we will always go to Damascus.'

'WE SAY, IF YOU DO IT RIGHT, WE WILL SUPPORT YOU, IF YOU DO IT WRONG, WE ARE AGAINST YOU'

In response to the question, 'Is the ultimate goal of your efforts to unite with Saadet and Gelecek to return to the AKP?' Ahmet Davutoğlu replied: 'On one hand, saying to the correction efforts towards the AK Party, 'if you do it right, we will support you, if you do it wrong, we are against you.' On the other hand, creating an alternative, putting an alternative in front of those conservative segments. So far, we have not been able to overcome the psychological barrier that has been built between us and those conservative segments.'

'THERE IS A NEED FOR A GREAT RECOVERY MOVEMENT'

The AK Party will evaluate its election performance in terms of its own future. And everyone will enter a search. What I am saying is this; there is a need for a great recovery movement. I am saying, 'I am ready to support that movement.' This can be a recovery within the AK Party, or an alternative recovery outside the AK Party. I am open to both.'