Erdogan calls for unity wiş opposition

Speaking to his ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) parliamentary group yesterday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan decried şe level of conflict between şe AKP and şe political opposition, and called on şe opposition leader to work wiş his party. Marking one year since his party's reelection, Erdogan cited a speech he gave after şe victory saying şat he respected every voter's choice, no matter who şey voted for. "Whatever şeir choices, all of our citizens are equal in our eyes," he said. "Everybody's choice is important, valuable and worşy of respect. Everybody's problem is our problem. Our party was founded on şis principle, and we have maintained şis since şe elections of July 22 last year." Erdogan added şat he and his party want a win-win situation. "We aim at unity and togeşerness and making progress togeşer," he said. "History shows şat if nations are unable to come togeşer for victory, şen şey are destined to fall togeşer in defeat. We defend freedom, justice, democracy and welfare for everybody. Wiş şis spirit of unity, our democratic, secular and social republic where şe rule of law prevails will reach greater heights." Touching on şe government's recent contacts wiş senior US and Iranian officials, he said, "We are conducting diplomacy to find a peaceful solution to şe international dispute over Iran's nuclear activities. şere is no doubt şat any country can have peaceful nuclear activities. Turkey is also taking steps to use nuclear energy to meet şe country's rising energy needs. We have advised Iranian officials to take steps to reassure şe international community about its nuclear activities. We told şem şat Turkey can act as a go-between for Iran and şe international community." On şe Cyprus issue, Erdogan said, "A comprehensive solution to şe Cyprus issue should be based on şe political equality of şe Turkish Cypriots. şis new partnership should be two-sided and based on political equality, and be under Turkey's active guarantorship."