ANKARA - Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday took over prime ministry from Abdullah Gul, the Prime Minister of the 58th government.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Erdogan said 59th government would be the government of all citizens, stating that no concession would be made to any discrimination or tension.
Erdogan said, ''I thank to all the governments of the Public who worked for the unity and healthiness of our nation. My first duty is to serve my nation and upgrade the esteem of our state.''
Addressing to nation, Erdogan said, ''you want confidence, stability, and brotherhood. You want to be the citizen of a respectable country and a state which will give you service. You don't want any neighbor suffering from hunger.''
''You don't want to see old people who are waiting in rows in front of hospitals and banks. You don't want the sources of our country to be destroyed,'' Erdogan said, stating that, ''we should deserve your interest. The 59th government will work being conscious of this.''
Erdogan said, ''we will direct to new horizons. We know that we should work very hard to fulfill the demands of our people.''
ERDOGAN: MY FIRST DUTY IS TO SERVE OUR NATION AND UPGRADE ESTEEM OF OUR STATE
Gul said this was one of the most important turning points of the Turkish political history, stating that Erdogan fought for democracy.
Gul said he handed over the prime ministry to Erdogan, noting that, ''I am sure that Turkish Republic government will be administered in the very best way. Not only Turkey but also all our region and the world go through very difficult days. However, I have full confidence that our Prime Minister will consider the interests of our people in the very best way.''
Erdogan in his part wished the 59th government to be beneficial for the whole country, nation and the world humanity.
Erdogan said his first mission was to serve nation and upgrade the esteem of the state, adding that, ''I would like to address my nation: I know very well why you cast your votes for us with which feelings, and that you have confidence in us. I know you want a state which will give service to you.''
Stating that they had to work very hard to meet the delayed expectations and demands of people, Erdogan said, ''it is my open statement to my citizens in the first day of my assignment is that we are obliged to be rapid and resolved.''
(AY-BRC) 15.03.2003