ANKARA
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday Turkish democracy and economy passed the test they faced during the course of two-week long anti-government protests centered on Istanbul's Taksim Square.
"During the recent events, not only our friends at home and abroad, but also Turkey's democracy and economy have been tested," Erdogan said at a meeting of the Advisory Committee for Tukish Citizens Abroad. "These protests directly targeted Turkey's economy and democracy. However, thanks to the solid foundations we have laid down, neither our economy, nor our democracy received any damage."
Turkey has achieved international reputation through its constructive policies around the world of which all its citizens must be proud, Erdogan said.
"A great nation is one that defends what's right, stands by the righteous and supports the oppressed. But most importantly, it is one that can protect its citizens, its kin, its friends and allies," he said. "That's what Turkey has begun to do. Empowered by its democracy, economy and active foreign policy, Turkey now reaches out to its people all around the world and is a stern defender of their rights."
- "Words cut more than swords"
Prime Minister Erdogan expressed his conviction that Turkish citizens abroad should work to win people's hearts in a sincere effort that proves so important in a world where he says "words cut more than swords."
"As I have always said, we are not living in an era when strong armies mean much, nor land invasions or conquests. The era we are living in attaches importance to winning hearts," he said. "That's why we are making a sincere and determined effort to winning people's hearts and contributing to peace, solidarity and brotherhood."
Addressing the representatives of Turkish communities abroad, Erdogan said they bore tremendous responsibility for establishing ties that make it easy for their respective communities to unite for good causes.
"You are a source of pride for us with the successful work you are doing abroad," he said. "But we also ask of you to be pioneers, to be role models, to unite and to unify. I expect you to further strengthen this advisory committee that you have volunteered for and make it more active."
- "No respect for democracy"
Turkish Prime Minister strongly criticized a European Parliament (EP) resolution that expressed concern at what it called "the disproportionate and excessive use of force by Turkish police to break up peaceful and legitimate protests".
Erdogan questioned the European Parliament's authority to pass a resolution on his country, and said EP was wrong to ignore what's happening in Greece, the UK, France, and Germany, and instead only focus on a host of "anti-democratic" demonstrations in Turkey.
"You have no respect for democracy. First and foremost, your definition of freedom is different," Erdogan said, addressing the parliament. "You support the violators of others' area of freedom. That's where those who passed that resolution are standing right now."
"I am against those who violate my area of freedom. I don't recognize such a European Parliament."
- Reaction against CNN International
Turkish Premier Erdogan reacted strongly against what he saw as misleading coverage of the protests by CNN International, citing the example of a photo gallery on its website that was titled "Anti-government protests in Turkey" but showed a photo featuring a large pro-government rally in Istanbul.
