ISTANBUL - Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remarked that disrespect to the Turkish flag comes up every time Turkey strives to take a giant step.
Speaking to an audience of Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) in Istanbul, Erdogan noted that individuals should not be afraid of expressing their thoughts and beliefs in a democratic environment.
''Turks must be sensitive and logical in reacting against provocations,'' he said.
Prime Minister Erdogan commented that there are still some concerns regarding individual freedoms in Turkey. ''Yet we must find solutions by compromising. Compromise in the society will bring a fruitful compromise in the Turkish parliament. If we Turks can succeed in finding compromises, many problems in the society would be eradicated.''
According to Erdogan, there are some pressures coming from the EU. ''We are finding out attempts to destroy our unity. Nevertheless, we must stand united and not fall. No one should try to take advantage of the stability in Turkey. As long as we live shoulder to shoulder, we can overcome all obstacles. We do not live to survive, but rather to be successful in the EU.''