Erdogan sends letter to german student who gave him dove statuette

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday sent a letter to a 9-year-old German student named Lara who sent him a small statue of a dove and a message of peace via German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel, during her just-concluded two-day visit to Turkey, presented Lara's gifts to Erdogan on Monday. In his letter, Erdogan wrote to Lara: "Wherever they live in the world, we never want children to cry, shed tears or feel sorrow. Your white dove has passed over mountains, rivers and seas to reach me through Chancellor Merkel. I was very pleased to get it. As you said in your letter, I will look after the dove for a few days and then deliver it to students in Istanbul." He added, "Turkey is working hard to end all conflicts in our region and the world. We also want the end of poverty and war. Turkey wants peace and welfare to prevail worldwide. We are also engaged in sincere efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, prevent climate change, and dispel prejudices among different cultures and civilizations." He added, "Believe me, the white dove you sent me has encouraged us and made a unique contribution to our efforts for peace. I would like you to know that your white dove will flutter freely in Turkey and carry the message of peace to children in every region of Turkey." In her message, Lara had said, "After looking after the dove for several days, please send it to another person or establishment so as to continue world peace. And send me a letter with your picture, so I can follow the 'peace path' of the dove."