Erdogan addresses Turks in France

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday addressed Turks living in France as part of his visit to the country. The gathering of thousands of Turks at an arena in Strasbourg resembled a first campaign rally for Erdogan's Justice and Development (AK) Party after it announced its candidates for the June 12 general elections. "We're not pursuing a role in the Middle East or North Africa. Unlike certain countries, we're not after war bounty," Erdogan said, in apparent reference to French President Nicolas Sarkozy. "On the contrary, we take the stance of a large, responsible state which is aware of the great mission it is undertaking. We're not the ones eyeing Libya's underground treasures, oil wells, or mines. When we look at Libya, we see a joint history, a joint civilization."