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Erdogan returns as leader of Turkey's ruling party

22 May 2017 [14:21] - TODAY.AZ

By Azernews


By Kamila Aliyeva

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan returned as leader of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) - Turkey's ruling party on May 21.

The April referendum expanded the powers of the Turkish president allowing him to be both the head of state and belong to a political party. Erdogan co-founded the AKP in 2001, and the political party has ruled the country since its 2002 election win. 

The Justice and Development Party is the guarantor of reforms and democracy, the locomotive of reforms in Turkey, Erdogan said addressing the Third Extraordinary Congress of the AKP in Ankara, Anadolu reported.

Speaking to tens of thousands of people, Erdogan outlined a vision for its immediate future and elections scheduled for November 2019 with new executive and grassroots teams.

The head of state recalled that over the 15 years of the AKP's rule, Turkey's agenda, priorities, problems and expectations changed.

"The coming months will be like spring for every single area in Turkey, from fighting terrorism to the economy, from rights and freedoms to expanding investments,” he added.

He also said the trouble which is suffered on the way to the nation's service is no burden but an honor.

Erdogan vowed to keep Turkey's state of emergency until Turkey achieves peace and welfare. He cited the casualties from last July's coup attempt by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

"In my country, they tried to overthrow the state, and we gave 249 martyrs, and had 2,193 injured," said Erdogan. "How dare you ask us to lift the state of emergency?"

He stressed: "It will not be lifted. Until when? Until our situation reaches welfare and peace."

After the deadly coup attempt last July 15, Turkey declared a state of emergency on July 20. Under the Constitution, a state of emergency can be declared for a maximum six-month period, but can also be extended.

Erdogan further said that Turkey and the Turkish nation can no longer tolerate any more FETO attempts at treason, also warning, "If the fight [against FETO] can’t be waged as powerfully as needed, our country will face much graver danger."

President Erdogan also blasted the EU’s treatment of Turkey amid strained ties, especially over a promise of visa-free travel for Turkish citizens in the Schengen zone as well as 3 billion euros to help Syrian refugees in Turkey.

"We should no longer tolerate the EU's duplicity, which came to the point of offending the honor of our country and nation," said Erdogan.

He added: "Either the EU keeps its promises to us, grants free movement [in the Schengen zone], sends the aid which they committed for refugees, and lift the blocks on opening and closing [accession] chapters, or let’s all go our own way."

URL: http://www.today.az/news/regions/161539.html

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