Turkish state TV director: We should perturb Iran/ Some reactions

Pars Today- Ismail Pekin, former Chief of Intelligence Office of General Staff of Turkish Armed Forces, in reaction to the anti-Iran remarks of TRT director general said that targeting Iran will benefit the imperialist countries in the region.

Mehmet Zahid Sobaci, Director General of the Turkish state TV (TRT), announced that the Farsi language channel of TRT will kick off by the end of the current year (2024). However, he used two sentences in his remarks, saying, "… We are in the state of disturbing Iran. We should disturb Iran."

These sentences were not uttered by a TV expert, but the top official of the Turkish TV who is responsible for putting into effect the policies of the Turkish government. These words somehow laid bare the reality of launching a TV channel by TRT in Farsi language.

According to Pars Today, his remarks were followed very soon by many reactions in the political and media circles of Turkey.

Doğu Perinçek, Chairman of the Nationalist Patriotic Party, said, "First of all, the remarks of TRT director general are in no way compliant with state decorum and are not suitable for a statesman. Such remarks can be raised only by the supporters of the US and Israel. What disturbs Iran will make the US and Israel happy. The TRT director is not in a position to damage Turkey's relations with its friends, endanger relations or make trouble for neighbors. Friendship with Iran is necessary for Turkey and, without Iran, there is no solution in the region to encounter the American plots. TRT director should be immediately dismissed. The Farsi language TRT channel, which will be set up, can only serve Iran and Turkey friendship and can act as a common media with brother Iran against the threats concentrated by the US and Israel in West Asia."

Ümit Özdağ, Leader of the Victory Party, also wrote on his personal account of X social network, "Director of TRT, Zahid Sobaci, says in front of cameras, 'We will soon launch broadcasting in Farsi language. We must disturb Iran.' It seems that the AKP party has decided to take stance with the US and Israel against Iran. TRT will soon start anti-Iran programs. We consider this decision incorrect. But, apart from being incorrect, even if such a decision is made, it mustn't be announced before cameras. This is a strategic ignorance. For 22 years, you have not learnt how to administer this country."

Furthermore, Ismail Pekin, retired general and former Chief of Intelligence Office of General Staff of Turkish Armed Forces, in reaction to the anti-Iran remarks of TRT director general said, "I followed the remarks of TRT director with amazement. Targeting Iran will benefit the objectives of the imperialist countries in the region. If we want to have peace in the region, we should cooperate with Iran, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon and southern Caucasus to create a peace circle together. To do this, we have to be committed to peace, to take into account the common interests of our own countries and abandon unnecessary rivalries."

Reactions continue to the astounding remarks of TRT director general in the Turkish political and media circles. Now the question is: Why has this senior media official of the Turkish government uttered such remarks which only cause discord and arouse hatred? What has urged a Turkish media official to use such aggressive phrases? As the usurper Israeli regime, as the archenemy of Muslims and entire humanity, has not come short of any crime in the course of its expansionist policies in the region and brazenly continues massacring of the innocent people of Gaza and Lebanon, while the only way of countering this savage regime is the unity of the Islamic Ummah and the regional countries, such statements by TRT director general do not pursue any goal but to serve the objectives of the Zionist regime and its supporters through instigating discord in the relations of Iran and Turkey. Is the Israeli influence in Turkey deeper than what is used to be said on the media? Is Turkey supposed to give media service to Israel in addition to providing its needs in the energy and metal sectors?

Anyway, it would be good for the Turkish statesmen to give a second thought to this saying, "People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones!"

It is expected from the Turkish government and media to adopt a rational and constructive approach to bolster ties with neighboring countries including Iran, Syria, Iraq, Armenia and Greece, and help create the atmosphere of talks and cooperation.

Key phrases: Turkey and Israel, Turkish relations, Iran and Turkey, Who is Erdogan? TRT

RM/ME