Erdogan calls for end to vandalism

Thousands of supporters welcomed back Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan from a North African tour on Friday in a show of strength. Addressing thousands of supporters at the airport, Erdogan said that he brought sincere greetings from Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian people and that they all believed in Turkish government could overcome protests. Stating that he serves for the 76 million-populated country, not for the 50 per cent only, Erdogan stressed that the government served from the easternmost to the westernmost part of the country without discriminating against anyone.  "Having turned into vandalism and having lost the democratic identity, the protests have to stop immediately," said Erdogan. Recalling their promise of advanced democracy, Erdogan said, "We will achieve it. As we are respectful to democracy, elections, and the national will, we expect to be treated respectfully in the same way," adding, "We cannot tolerate those who harm the law, democracy, public officials vandalizing the properties. The police have been working to secure the life and property of all the people. Some may have used excessive force when needed. The interior ministry has been examining the incidents. However, nobody has the right to attack us over those claims."