Turkey: a rapid and remorseless response from Erdogan

By Euronews with EURONEWS

Published on 12/01/2016 - 14:02

The Turkish president slams intellectuals and the human rights lobby for influencing debate

Erdogan attacks intellectuals
Refuses to deal with NGOs and named political parties

The Turkish government’s response to the explosion was rapid and remorseless.

Erdogan calls for “unity and solidarity as a nation” #Sultanahmet https://t.co/JCdBEzPzM9 pic.twitter.com/gHF3909ODG
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) January 12, 2016

Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s speech

Speaking in Ankara at a lunch for foreign ambassadors based in Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made his government’s position clear.

President Erdogan began by reaffirming his country’s determination to stand firm and rejecting any kind of foreign influence:

#istanbul: “Turkey will always stand up to terrorism” live euronews</a>— Catherine Hardy (fernojay) January 12, 2016

#istanbul: “Turkey will only be saved by Turkish people” – Erdogan live euronews</a>— Catherine Hardy (fernojay) January 12, 2016

He countered arguments about human rights, claiming citizens’ security should be the priority:

#istanbul: “Some criticise us, saying it is against human rights. But our people's rights are being violated by terrorist organisations”
— Catherine Hardy (@fernojay) January 12, 2016

#istanbul:“Is it the government or terrorist organisations who are violating human rights?” Erdogan live euronews</a>— Catherine Hardy (fernojay) January 12, 2016

Mr Erdogan insisted the restive eastern regions of Turkey owe a debt of gratitude to Ankara:

#istanbul: “We have build facilities in the east, this region has become rich from our respect.” Erdogan live euronews</a>— Catherine Hardy (fernojay) January 12, 2016

.#istanbul: “Those who benefit from our country while betraying it will be punished.” Erdogan live euronews</a>— Catherine Hardy (fernojay) January 12, 2016

The Turkish president outlined the groups his government will not cooperate with.

He was particularly critical of the role played in the security debate by those whom he described as “intellectuals”:

“We will not deal with NGOs, the HDP, the PKK, their supporters. We will fight until the last terrorist falls and will not ask permission.”
— Catherine Hardy (@fernojay) January 12, 2016

#istanbul: “On the one side you have the rightful government, on the other you have those with guns and bombs. And intellectuals.”
— Catherine Hardy (@fernojay) January 12, 2016