AKP VICTORY IN TURKEY BOLSTERS DEFENCE OF AL-AQSA, CLAIMS RAED SALAH

Al-Quds, 21 Muharram 1437/3 November 2015 (MINA) – The leader of the Islamic Movement in Israel has hailed the election victory of Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP). Shaikh Raed Salah said on Sunday that this would bolster the defence of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Anadolu reported.

“I was heartened by the Turkish people, the spearhead of the Ummah,” said the veteran activist for Al-Aqsa. He stressed that the Turkish election was “historical in the result and message” as it defied the efforts of those around the world who plotted to sabotage it.

Last month, Sheikh Salah was sentenced by an Israeli court to 11 months in prison, with the sentence due to start on 15 November. Middle  East Monitor (MEMO) reported, Tuesday (3/11).

Also Read: The Israeli plot to jail Raed Salah

“This election helps Turkey to remain strong and bolster its ability to stay focused on the issues of the region, on top of them the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque,” explained Shaikh Salah. “With my name and on behalf of the Islamic Movement and the worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, I would like to congratulate the wonderful Turkish people, their leadership represented by Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party.”

He added his hopes that under Erdogan’s leadership Turkey will have a greater impact on the region and Palestine. “We hope that security and stability prevail in the country.”

The turnout for the election was, at 86.23 per cent, the largest in modern Turkish history. With 97.76 per cent of the votes counted, the AKP had gained 316 parliamentary seats.

In a statement, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said ‘Sunday’s general elections in Turkey, which had a high voter turnout, have reaffirmed the strong commitment of the Turkish people to democratic processes’. (T/P002/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)