Erdogan: Murderers and those targeting innocent people do not have any holy feelings

ISTANBUL - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who also acts as leader of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), has said, ``murderers and those targeting innocent people do not have any holy feelings.``
Speaking at a meeting of the AK Party in Istanbul on Saturday, Prime Minister Erdogan referred to recent bomb attacks in Istanbul in which 53 people were killed and hundreds of others of were wounded, and said, ``while Turkey has been enjoying an atmosphere of tranquility and prosperity, terrorist attacks in Istanbul caused a profound sorrow. As we underline in numerous occasions, terrorism does not have timing, place, religious beliefs, nationalities and races. Terrorism is not a common crime. On the contrary, it is a crime against humanity. What distressed Turkish people is that Turkey was chosen as the new ground of gory actions. Also, we are extremely sorry that those who were responsible for these attacks, had been citizens of Republic of Turkey. The first attacks targeted synagogues, while the second attacks targeted the British Consulate General and HSBC Bank Headquarters. As a result of these attacks, Turkish people have paid a heavy price. However, despite all these, unity and solidarity of Turkish people have been consolidated once again.``
Prime Minister Erdogan underlined that any acts of terrorism could not disrupt the free life of Turkish people.
Criticizing the media organs, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ``as you know, the United States lived through a similar terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. However, people did not see anything except for twin towers of the World Trade Center complex. There was not any media blackout in the United States, however, the media acted with the understanding of its ethic. In Turkey, despite the decision of the State Security Court (DGM), horrifying scenes have still been broadcasting. These scenes will have a devastating impact on our people, especially children. Therefore, we wanted such broadcasting to be ended. However, it has not halted.``
``The Security Department and intelligence units can have some deficiencies. However, they have been trying to do their utmost. We want support of media organs,`` he said.
Prime Minister Erdogan continued, ``we condemn terrorism in all its forms. Murderers and those targeting innocent people do not have any holy feelings.`
``These bombs were, in fact, targeting stability of Turkey and the recent atmosphere of confidence in our country. However, we will not be intimidated and will maintain our fight against terrorism with more determination. Once again, I want to reiterate that we will never accept any message of terrorism. Turkey will not take a step back from its targets of democracy, human rights, state of law and freedom. We will not allow Turkey to become a country of instability,`` he added.

Erdogan Visits British Consulate General In Istanbul
Erdogan paid a visit on Saturday to the British Consulate General, which has been carrying out its activities in former building of the U.S. Consulate General following Thursday`s bomb attack.
During the visit, Prime Minister Erdogan held a 20-minute meeting with British Ambassador to Turkey Peter Westmacott.
Prime Minister Erdogan extended his condolences to families of British victims of Istanbul bombings.
Expressing his profound sorrow over the attacks, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ``it is not possible to reach a legal goal through illegal methods. We cannot make any concession from our free life. Recent attacks in Istanbul have proved once again that the whole world should act with determination in fight against terrorism.``
Erdogan said that the terrorist attacks had revealed the significance of Turkey`s membership to the European Union (EU).
He added that Beyoglu Municipality and local administration were ready to extend all support for restoration of building of the British Consulate, which was devastated in Thursday`s bombing.
Meanwhile, British Ambassador Westmacott thanked Prime Minister Erdogan for his sincere words.
Noting that Turkey had suffered more losses in the attacks, Westmacott offered his condolences to Turkish people.
Stressing that he especially wanted to work in Turkey, Westmacott expressed his support to Turkey`s EU process.
Westmacott stressed that those who were responsible for the attacks, in fact, targeted Turkey`s sound will for modernization and civilization.
He added that Turkey had proved that the Islam and democracy could co-exist.
(UK) 23.11.2003