President Erdoğan, who made evaluations on the agenda, made statements about the Republican Alliance, compulsory military service, the Russia-Ukraine crisis and Halkbank Deputy General Director Hakan Atilla.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered reporters’ questions on the way out of the Hazrat Ali Mosque in Istanbul where he performed the Friday prayer.

The President's Alliance

In response to a question regarding the latest state of the People’s Alliance in the run-up to the local elections scheduled for March 31^st, 2019, President Erdoğan warned about the circles that are jealous of the solidarity and cooperation within the Alliance.

Stressing the importance the upcoming local elections carry at a time of widespread attacks targeting Turkiye and the Turkish people, President Erdoğan voiced determination not to let the People’s Alliance be disrupted.

Mandatory military service

Referring to the statements made yesterday by the Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar, asked how the conscripted military service could be reduced to nine months, President Erdoğan said that it would not be correct to make an evaluation before he was given definitive results.

Russia-Ukraine crisis

Answering another question concerning the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, President Erdoğan drew attention to the phone talks he held with Mr. Putin and Mr. Poroshenko on the issue.

Noting that he conveyed Mr. Poroshenko’s relevant demands to Mr. Putin, President Erdoğan expressed his hope for a positive approach to being taken regarding the issue.

Speaking about Halkbank Deputy General Manager Hakan Atilla, President Erdoğan said, "There are positive developments. I wish we will get the result of our expectations." (ILKHA)