Erdogan: "Turkey isn't a country controlled by developments, but one that controls them"

Speaking at a meeting promoting Ankara candidates from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) for next month's local elections, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey isn't a country controlled by developments but instead one that controls them. Stating that over 80 years ago the Turkish people rose to the unavoidable challenge of winning the War of Independence, Erdogan added, "Today we have no choice but to win our struggle for development. We will finally reach the level of modern civilizations which Ataturk set a goal for us." Alluding to criticisms of his walkoff from a panel in Davos last week, Erdogan said, "With the spirit we inherited from our history, we will always protect the honor of the Turkish nation and state, just as we have done so far." He added, "Turkey is no ordinary country, although some media figures fail to understand this." Erdogan also pledged major improvements to Ankara's subway network in the years to come to reach such areas of the city as Cayyolu, Kecioren and Sincan, saying that cooperation between the Transportation Ministry and Ankara Greater Municipality will make this possible. During the meeting, AK Party Ankara Greater Municipality Mayor Melih Gokcek, who is running for reelection, touted his projects for the city.