Erdogan: Republic is in the right hands

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday reassured that Turkey would remain undivided on the path to a brighter future, free from terror, as the country commemorated Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic, on the 73rd anniversary of his death. Quoting Ataturk's speech from 1927, Erdogan emphasized that Turkey would stand unified in the face of terror, and will only grow stronger through a new, more democratic and liberal constitution." No one should have doubts that the Republic is in the right hands," vowed the prime minister." Every person in this country is a first-class citizen. We will not accept or allow any sort of separation, inequality or injustice," said Erdogan, speaking at a conference at the National Library." It is thus our greatest desire to create a constitution that brings the individual and their liberties to the forefront while fortifying the unity of the country," he said. "This is the only way we can eliminate terror. As long as this nation continues to embrace each other in dialogue, friendship and sincerity, as it has done throughout history, terror and those who use it as a tool will once again be disappointed" he said. Ataturk's words in his book titled "Nutuk" are significant at this point, added Erdogan, reciting the quote; "Our nation, insisting on unity and ambitions, will make any proud and violating enemy regret their pride and violation."" As 74 million Turkish citizens, we will continue insisting," said Erdogan. "We will never compromise our freedoms, basic rights, and advanced democratic standards. We will not recognize factions and plots."