Erdogan: "Turkey no longer suffers from a lack of self-confidence"

At his Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) parliamentary group meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke at length about reactions to his suddenly leaving a panel discussion in Davos last week after a heated exchange with Israeli President Shimon Peres, complaining of unfair treatment by the moderator. Some may underestimate Turkey and say it will pay a price for its peace policy but everyone should know that it is stronger than this, Erdogan said. "Turkey is no longer a country unable to gain prestige in line with its power in the international arena or one suffering from a lack of self-confidence," he said, adding that Turkey should take a stance proper to its power and gravity. Erdogan also reiterated his dissatisfaction with the moderator, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, saying that he had been very rude and deserved Erdogan's walkout. Touching on relations with Israel, he said, "There is no other country in the Middle East or the Balkans that is on as good terms with Israel as we are. Before all else, Israel should realize how it is speaking and with whom." Erdogan also stressed that the government would continue to deal with all domestic and international matters with the same determination. In related news, Erdogan yesterday received Sudanese Vice President Osman Taha. The meeting focused on strengthening Turkish-Sudanese relations as well as discussing ways to improve conditions in Darfur.