Justice, goodwill cooperation can fight terror: Parliament Speaker

Establishing peace in the world is possible so long as there is cooperation based on “justice and goodwill,” said Turkey’s parliament speaker on Wednesday.

Speaking at the opening of the TRT World Forum, where Anadolu Agency is serving as the global communications partner, Binali Yildirim said: “Realizing a world where everybody lives in peace, tranquility, and trust is possible [so long as] powerful countries forge cooperation based on justice and goodwill.”

The fight against terrorism is the primary area in which cooperation is needed, said Yildirim.

“Terror [groups] should not be financed by any means; arms and money should not be provided,” he added.

Without using its name, Yildirim also blasted the U.S. over its failure to extradite Fetullah Gulen, the U.S.-based leader of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

“Everything is clear. He is the one who ordered the coup [attempt in 2016]. We have every kind of document and information but our friends, the country which we know as an ally, stands by idly.”

FETO and Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey has long complained of U.S. slowness in responding to its request for Gulen’s extradition.

Yildirim also said that the EU is not active enough in working to tackle international problems.

“The EU’s approach to the world’s current problems is far from finding solutions,” he said.

The two-day TRT World Forum, entitled “Envisioning Peace and Security in a Fragmented World,” brings together over 600 of the world’s leading opinion leaders, policymakers, academics, and businesspeople.

The “most pressing issues and challenges” across the world will be discussed during the two-day event.