Addressing the nation for the last time in 2007, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday (31 December) spoke mainly about the Kurdish question. He said that a new phase in the “war against terrorism” had been achieved.
Erdogan reiterated the government and army line that the cross-border operations “carried out and still to be carried out are only targeted at the terrorist organisation PKK.”
"International support for Turkey"
“Turkey has entered a new stage in the struggle to separate the terrorist organisation, which targets our unity and integrity, from society. We are making great efforts to isolate the terrorist organisation from inside and outside by cutting off social, logistical, financial and psychological support. The cross-border operations carried out and still to be carried out by our armed forces are only targeting the camps of the terrorist organisation. Our regional neighbours, Middle Eastern countries, the USA and the EU have all begun to support Turkey.”
Erdogan refuted accusations that there was not enough investment in the Southeast of Turkey, i.e. the area with a Kurdish majority. He said that investments worth 8.4 billion YTL (around 4.9 billion Euros) had been made in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia since 2003.
He added that 1 billion 212 milion YTL in social support payments had reached the needy of the area in the last five years.
"No justification for terrorism"
“In Turkey, people are free to seek justice. There is a working democracy for those who remain within the legal framework of the constitution. In the last years, Turkey has passed reforms which represent a revolution in the area of democratisation. There is and can be no justification for terrorism. It will not lead anywhere.”
Referring to terrorism, he said: “They are uncomfortable because of the peace and stability of the country, because of the friendship and brotherhood of this nation, because of the hope and excitement of development which can be felt in every corner of this country. God willing, 2008 will bring this suffering region, which Turkey is part of, too, peace, quiet and stability.”
New Year's resolutions
Erdogan also announced his government’s “new year’s resolutions” as being an economic growth of at least 5.5 percent, a per capita annual income of at least 7,000 dollars. He also promised that his government was aiming to protect peace, stability and security, and was aiming for a developing Turkey with a democratic, laicist and social state ruled by law:
“For the coming year 2008 I wish from Allah that he bring our country and nation new success, and more peace and welfare in the region and the world.” (NZ/AG)
