Erdogan vows to continue settlement process aimed at resolving Kurdish issue

Speaking at his Justice and Development Party's (AKP) parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to continue the ongoing settlement process aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue in Turkey. “Those who want to sabotage this process, spoil this atmosphere in the country can never get rid of the responsibility, the black stain and pangs of remorse that their actions will lead to. We set our hearts on the process. We risked our lives for this process. No sabotage or provocation can deter us from this blessed journey and seeking a solution,” Erdogan said. Stating that the people fomenting tension, violence and chaos will have betrayed both to this process and the nation, Erdogan said, “We will not make any concessions or give up our principles. We will not overstep the law or hurt the memory of our martyrs, but we will continue to do our best in order to reach a happy ending.” Referring to his government's efforts to secure social welfare by establishing an atmosphere embracing all, regardless of their religions, Erdogan said, "Our government is not based on a single religion understanding. In our history, we have been the most successful in ruling people of different religions," adding, "AKP treats every religion equally. We, as the AKP government, are the guarantee of the freedom of religion for different religious groups in Turkey. We will enthusiastically maintain the social welfare with which we are a model to the world."