At party congress in Ankara, Erdogan criticizes DTP

Speaking at his ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) congress yesterday in Ankara's Altindag district, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the Democratic Society Party (DTP), without mentioning it by name, calling it a "support party" for the terrorist PKK. Erdogan said the party lacks the ethos of public service, adding, "They think they can win more votes by supporting terrorism. There's no difference between our citizens of Turkish origin and those of Kurdish origin." Turning to economic matters, Erdogan responded to voices offering advice about meetings with the International Monetary Fund. "We're already meeting with the IMF," he explained. "This is based on the principle of mutual benefit. If the IMF will benefit Turkey, we can make a deal. But we can't kowtow to IMF demands and darken Turkey's future in this period of crisis. This is the issue." Also attending the congress were Interior Minister Besir Atalay, Environment and Forestry Minister Veysel Eroglu, and Greater Ankara Municipality Mayor Melih Gokcek. Afterwards, Erdogan proceeded to Kirikkale to attend an opening ceremony.