PM Erdogan reiterates pledge to stop terrorism

Stating that the only winners from terror are weapons traffickers, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday pledged to stop those who feed on the blood of the country's youth. "Our security forces are doing what needs to be done," Erdogan said during a visit to Konya. "Our judicial system is working. But additional measures are needed in this fight. We use the most high-tech weapons there are, but if we fail to bring your democratic standards to higher levels, if we fail to eradicate poverty, we cannot rid ourselves of this curse, terrorism." Quoting 13th century Sufi mystic Mevlana Rumi, who was born in Konya, Erdogan said, "Don't be discouraged by a bump on your path; you will have to face many mountains. We think big, aim big, and work in that direction." He said some groups are trying to perpetuate Turkey's problems rather than creating solutions. "This nation will overcome every difficulty," he said. "Nothing can keep us shackled. Nothing can stop this nation from its sacred path. We have overcome many disasters in our history. We have, with the grace of God, overcome all of them. We can and will do it again, as long as we have our self-confidence, as long as we stand together in unity." The prime minister also attended ceremonies marking the anniversary of Rumi's death, and presided over an opening ceremony held at Konya's Cultural Park.