PM Erdogan warns against provocations on democratic initiative

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned yesterday that exploitation of the democratization process would not benefit the country and therefore it should be avoided. Erdogan was referring to celebrations held by the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) early this week after the surrender of a group of terrorist PKK members at the Turkish-Iraqi border. Speaking at a vocational training graduation ceremony in Ankara, Erdogan said, "I'm warning those who provoke the process: They can gain nothing through this behavior. This is disrespect to the country’s sensitivities. They say they want the process to be successful, but they act contrary to this in Diyarbakir and at the Habur border gate. They aren't sincere. They should abandon this manner." Stressing that trying to reap political benefits from the process is disrespectful to the country's sensitivities, Erdogan said, "Turkey is going through a historic process. Very important developments are occurring with domestic and foreign policy. The Turkish government is removing obstacles blocking Turkey’s progress one after another." Calling on everyone to help the process by acting with common sense, Erdogan said, "This is a state-backed project, and it must be taken to its completion. This project concerns the entire nation. We are one in this country with the Kurds, the Laz, and the Circassians. Everyone must respect ethnic elements. Our supra-identity is, however, citizenship in the Republic of Turkey." On Wednesday, calling the democratic initiative Turkey's last opportunity to solve one of its longstanding issues, Erdogan said, "This is the last chance for success. No one else can show similar courage. We took these steps by taking many risks."