Turkish FM reveals poisoning attempt, vows to continue fight against terrorism

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has reaffirmed Türkiye’s uncompromising stance in the fight against terrorism, stating that dismantling the PKK’s armed presence is not enough without eliminating the lawless structures that sustain it.

In a wide-ranging televised interview, Fidan also disclosed a past assassination attempt, addressed Türkiye’s international diplomacy, and issued strong remarks on regional and global issues, Caliber.Az reports.

FM Fidan revealed that he was the target of a poisoning attempt involving high doses of arsenic and mercury approximately four to five years ago. “I was given high doses of arsenic and mercury. It happened somewhere, and was later detected in tests.” He emphasized that the poisoning was identified only through medical examinations.

Fidan, who served as the head of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT) from 2010 to 2023, attributed the attack to prolonged smear campaigns orchestrated by what he described as proxies for terrorist groups and organized crime networks. He noted that such threats are increasingly manifesting as character assassinations rather than physical attacks.

While he refrained from naming specific individuals or groups responsible for the poisoning, Fidan acknowledged the broader scope of threats, stating, “Let’s not get into those details. This goes beyond domestic threats. Enemies are everywhere.” He concluded with a firm message of resilience: “These attempts won’t stop me. We are here to serve this homeland. They will attempt both character and physical assassinations — it’s part of the duty.”

Discussing the fight against terrorism, Fidan noted that Türkiye attaches great importance not only to disarming groups such as the PKK but also to eliminating the conditions of lawlessness. “It is not enough to lay down arms — parallel structures must also be destroyed,” he emphasized.

The minister added that while the foundation of terrorism in Türkiye itself has been destroyed, the threat remains in unstable neighboring countries, especially Syria and Iraq.

On the international agenda, the minister reiterated that Türkiye supports de-escalation in the Gaza Strip and considers Israel's actions a humanitarian catastrophe. He reported on his trips to Qatar and the UAE to coordinate efforts with leaders in the region.

Fidan also commented on Azerbaijan's participation in mediation between Israel and other countries, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic mechanisms.

Touching upon relations with the US, the minister noted that under President Trump, Türkiye has observed an unconventional and radical approach to foreign policy. According to the minister, Ankara is closely following Washington's policies and is keen to deepen cooperation, especially in the fields of technology and trade.

Fidan spoke separately about relations with the EU, accusing France and Germany of not wanting Türkiye to be part of the EU. He noted that despite the support of southern and Balkan countries, Türkiye's accession process has been frozen due to political and cultural biases.

The minister concluded the interview by expressing concern over the situation between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, emphasizing the importance of international investigation and keeping the conflict within the framework of diplomacy.

By Vafa Guliyeva