PM Erdogan addresses the nation

This government has always worked to be a uniter, not a divider, said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday. "We have strived to protect the rights of our people, always staying within democratic rules," he said in a televised address to the nation. "We have never strayed from our people and never ignored the troubles facing our country." Stating that the republic has made significant progress in line with its founding philosophy and ideals of modernization, Erdogan said that people may differ in terms of their lifestyle, ethnic origin, or religious beliefs, but they all enrich the Turkish nation. Touching on the Nevruz festivities of March 21, Erdogan said, "Some unpleasant incidents occurred (on that date). But take a close look at those who tried to turn a day of celebrations into one of conflict. Isn't it deeply ironic that those who called for peace laid the groundwork for vandalism that targeted the lives and properties of innocents?"