At AKP group meeting, Erdogan lambastes Israel

Speaking at his ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) group meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly criticized Israel's ongoing military operation in Gaza. "I am not emotional," said Erdogan, rebuffing Israel's statement that he was speaking emotionally. "I am speaking as a grandson of Ottoman Empire, which welcomed your forebears when they were exiled from their country. I am calling on Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to set aside the coming elections in February. History will accuse them of putting a stain on humanity." Erdogan said that Turkey has always stood on the side of those who suffer and will continue to do so. "It is unforgivable that a people who in their history suffered so profoundly could do such a thing," he added. "In fact, they should show more respect for human life than anyone in the world. They should know well that the lives of children, women and the elderly are sacred and that justice, law and the culture of coexistence are vital."