Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum has responded to remarks by Yeni Party leader Özgür Özel about a project in Ayazağa. Kurum accused Özel of using the region's hardships to pursue political goals. He said the party leader's claims were untrue. The minister also said the remarks were intended to distract from what he called incompetence and corruption within municipalities. “Do not waste your effort,” Kurum said, directing the criticism at Özel. The Ayazağa project remains the subject of a public dispute between Kurum and Özel. The report gives no details about the project's scale. Nor does it disclose a cost or timetable.