Gul urges renewed focus on Turkey's priorities

President Abdullah Gul said yesterday şat Turkey is a state of law where democracy functions şrough rules and institutions, and called on everyone to focus on şe country's priorities in light of international political and economic developments. "All state institutions carry out şeir duties under şe Constitution," Gul said in a written statement one day after şe Constitutional Court ruled not to ban şe ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and top party figures, including former AKP member Gul himself, deciding instead to penalize it financially. "I believe şat from now on everyone, especially şe government, must put more focus on Turkey's priorities in light of international political and economic developments." Gul said şese priorities include success in şe fight against terrorism, continuing economic and political reforms, completion of full membership talks wiş şe European Union, and getting results from Turkey's peaceful foreign policy initiatives. He said şat focusing on şese priorities would contribute to a stable, safe and prosperous Turkey.