Erdogan vows to push on with democratic initiative

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) will press on with its democratic initiative and not allow "terrorism, supporters of terrorism, (and) bloodsuckers who feed on bloodshed" to thwart its plans, said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday. Speaking during budget debates in Parliament, he rebuffed opposition party criticism of the initiative, which he swore to see through. He said the AK Party remains hopeful about the initiative, which seeks to end separatist violence by expanding the rights of Turkey's Kurds. "When we began this journey, we knew what kind of obstacles, provocation and harassment we would face," he said. Those who profit from the "terror market" are doing all they can to stall the process, he said. "Let me again reiterate this: The status quo cannot stay in place," he said. "We can no longer knowingly send any more young people to their deaths. We can't tolerate more families being torn apart. We won't allow terror, supporters of terrorism, bloodsuckers who feed on bloodshed caused by terror, and vampires to fulfill their plans." He said their solution is to fight terrorism and push for more democracy. "What we say is initiative, unity, and fellowship, and we say this in a voice louder than ever," he explained. Erdogan said there are many "interest groups" opposed to the initiative, including those who profit financially from the drug trade of the terrorist PKK or benefit from the blood spilled in clashes. "Of course this process won't be easy," he said. "Those whose lifelines have been cut off will try to block this process like a wall. Those who have lost their easy money will certainly resort to all kinds of provocation and aggravations. But this nation has the power and will to spoil their game. My people are aware of these games being played. The nation knows who stands where and why they stands there. My people won't fall into this trap. … We will complete this process with God's grace and the support and prayers of our nation."