Üstel Dismisses Arıklı Over Ferry Disaster Investigation

Üstel issued a statement on the maritime disaster off Kyrenia, saying that since the first day he assumed responsibility for governing the country, he and his government had worked tirelessly to serve the public.

“No power, no accusation and no smear campaign has been able to turn me away from this path, nor will it,” Üstel said.

He said their sole aim was to serve the country well, live up to the public’s trust and leave children a future in which they could live safely.

Üstel said the three-party coalition government had worked with great dedication to address many of the country’s long-standing problems and had delivered major investments and projects.

Death Toll Rises to Nine

Üstel also announced a significant development in the search and rescue operation, saying that another body had been recovered following examinations conducted by the TCG Işın and TCG Alemdar vessels at the wreck.

“Accordingly, the official number of our citizens who have lost their lives has risen to nine, while the number of missing people has fallen to 19,” Üstel said.

He said search and rescue operations were continuing without interruption with all available resources and with strong support from all institutions and organisations of the Republic of Turkey.

Recalling that they had said from the outset, “Whoever is responsible will be held accountable,” Üstel said this was also the clear message delivered to the Turkish people by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and himself.

“I Informed Erhan Arıklı That I Had Dismissed Him”

Üstel said he had decided to expand the measures suspending officials from duty following the accident to ensure that the Police Directorate and judicial authorities could conduct their investigations without any doubts or suspicion.

“In this context, I informed our Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Erhan Arıklı, that I had dismissed him.

“As the head of the executive, it is my duty to take all necessary administrative measures to safeguard the investigation and provide reassurance to the public conscience,” Üstel said.

Üstel said that, first and foremost as a father and prime minister, he carried in his heart the pain of every citizen who had lost a mother, father, child or sibling.

He added that action concerning Arıklı’s duties as Minister of Public Works and Transport would be taken within the framework of the provisions and powers set out in the Constitution.

“This Is Not a Political Decision Against YDP”

Üstel specifically stressed that the decision was not a political move against the Rebirth Party (YDP), its institutional identity or its supporters.

He said the coalition partners had worked together to serve the country for four and a half years and had all contributed to the projects and reforms carried out during that period.

Üstel said he had also worked with Arıklı for four and a half years and that they had jointly implemented numerous projects for the country.

“I thank him for his services to our country to date,” Üstel said.

“The Presumption of Innocence Applies to Everyone”

Üstel said they could not allow any suspicion to arise during such a serious investigation, stressing that no one who had been dismissed or suspended could be declared guilty before a judicial decision was reached.

“The presumption of innocence applies to everyone. The investigation will be conducted swiftly, meticulously and transparently. Anyone found to have been negligent or responsible will be held accountable in accordance with the decision of the judiciary,” Üstel said.

Saying that the pain was immense and that their hearts were breaking, Üstel stressed that the state remained at its post.

“Our sole aim is to reach those who are missing, stand by our families, uncover all the facts surrounding this disaster and heal our wounds together,” he said.

Üstel offered his condolences to those who lost their lives and wished patience to their families, relatives and the entire public.