Erdogan reiterates commitment to fight terrorism

Speaking to his Justice and Development Party's (AKP) parliamentary group meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated the government's commitment to fight terrorism in the wake of a double terrorist bombing in Istanbul that killed 17 people and injured dozens more. "This country responds to terrorism with one heart and one voice," said Erdogan. "Whoever believes Turkey can be dragged into instability through terrorism, murder and violence should know that will never happen." He said that Turkey would never retreat from fighting terrorism and added, "Those who are responsible for the attacks will be apprehended sooner or later." Referring to the timing of the attacks, Erdogan said, "These heinous designs and plans will fail in their attempt to wound the unified soul of our nation."