Turkish PM: We are determined to bring down terrorism

ANKARA

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Monday that Turkey and its citizens are determined to bring down terrorism.

Davutoglu made the remarks at an event for martyrs' and veterans' relatives held by the Labor and Social Security Ministry and the Family and Social Policies Ministry in the Turkish capital, Ankara.

"This country, the Republic of Turkey, with its citizens, is determined to bring down terrorism. Those who dare act as spokespeople for terrorism will be held accountable", Davutoglu said, adding that a bill to remove immunity from prosecution from nearly a quarter of lawmakers -- some accused of supporting terrorism -- is moving forward.

"Our fight will go on with determination until the terrorists are eliminated in all provinces, districts, villages, mountains, plains, and valleys", he said.

In addition, the premier stated that there will be no hesitation in the fight against terror and they will not leave the fight unfinished.

Under the bill submitted by the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party earlier this month, the constitution would be amended with a temporary clause to remove protection from prosecution from 129 of the Grand National Assembly’s 550 deputies.

The lawmakers, who come from all four parliamentary parties, have had a total of 562 criminal proceedings lodged against them.

The bill, which was sent to the office of the parliament speaker, was signed by 316 AK Party lawmakers, including Davutoglu.

The issue of removing immunity has been debated for some time, especially focusing on opposition lawmakers, particularly those from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), accused of supporting PKK terrorism.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization also by the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its 30-year armed campaign against the Turkish state in July 2015.