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AK PARTY CONGRESS (OCTOBER 3, 2009)
My dear brothers and sisters,
My dear fellow companion,
Dear guests,
My dear citizens,
Ladies, gentlemen, dear youngsters…
Date: Friday, March 26, 1999.
I made a speech to the crowd waiting outside my house in Uskudar while I was leaving for Pinarhisar Penitentiary:
I said that it was not a goodbye but hopefully only a pause within an endless song. I said I believe that the notes following this pause will contain a Turkey full of stability and bright future with peace, love and brotherhood stemming from your love and passion. I had not lost my hope, not even for a moment… I did not think that this journey of service would be interrupted, not even for a moment. I did not sink into desperation, not even for a moment. I have kept my head high. The words of late Necip Fazil Kisakurek echoed my feelings in Pinarhisar Penitentiary…
(He then cites from one of Kisakurek’s poems)
And this brother of yours said the following on March 26, 1999 in Uskudar:
This song does not end here! And indeed the song did not end there. That very song that chanted in Istanbul has turned into a Song of Fellowship. That very song that chanted in Istanbul has turned into a March of Freedom. That very song caught entire Turkey. That very song has turned into a masterpiece chanted by the entire nation. That very song has become the melody of hope and connected the hearts… That very song has become a giant enthusiasm in this building today; it has become excitement and love.
I salute those who chanted this song with us… I salute those who gave their hearts to this movement and put their hearts for this movement and I salute all my brother and sister filling this magnificent building… I salute all of our 81 cities in Turkey, all our towns, all our provinces, all our villages, 72 million citizens of Turkish Republic, all of my brothers and sisters living and breathing in this country… I salute you my lady sisters… I salute you young people… Today I salute all our guests who joined us from all over the world in this feast of democracy and air of festival. I salute you all with love, regards and from the bottom of my heart… I say welcome to you all.
I hope that this Third Regular Congress of Justice and Development Party will bring the best for my country, nation, democracy and the entire humanity. And to I want to open my speech with expressing my gratitude to all my friends contributed to this movement… I remember all our friends who passed away during our blessed journey and all the politicians who made their names written in our history and appreciated by our people for their services with blessing and they may rest in peace.
My dear fellow companion,
My brothers and sisters,
Anatolia is in the building today, Thrace Region is here… We have all seven regions of Turkey here today. The enthusiasm of Black Sea Region and the warmth of Mediterranean Region are here today. We have the purl Kizilirmak River, Yesilirmak River, Sakarya River, Tigris, Euphrates, Botan River, Seyhan River, Ceyhan River, Murat River, Maritsa, Gediz River and Menderes River here today. We have the greatness and generosity of Mount Ararat, Mount Suphan, Kackar Mountains, Mount Cudi, Mount Munzur, Mount Erciyes, Taurus Mountains, Aladag Mountains and Mount Uludag here in this magnificent building.
All the colors of Turkey are here in this building. All the voices of Turkey are here in this building. All the brothers and sisters that make Turkey a whole, make us what we are and make us a nation are here.
My dear brothers and sister it is very important and I want to underline it:
We, together, are Turkey… AK Party, in fact, is the political party of this nation. AK Party, in fact, was established by our nation on August 14, 2001. This party, this movement and this staff know no other path than the path of its nation and shall never will.
Elites living in their own words cannot set the direction of this party. Elites condescending this nation cannot set the direction. Organizations bending the laws of this nation cannot infiltrate to this party since we are carrying the responsibility of our great nation. This responsibility is given to us by our entire nation. We have carried this responsibility with success and we will continue to do so. We never let anything to happen to this responsibility of ours and with God’s will we will not let anything to happen to it.
Pay attention to this… Over the course of our seven years in charge there have been some attempts to harm this great responsibility. There were some who tried to cloud the will of nation and go against the demands of the nation. There were some who wanted to block our way to democracy, enhancement and development. There were some who wanted to channel Turkey into dark places with threats, provocations and corrupted scenarios. We have never given in to these we have never left any room to these… We stood tall, held our heads up high and did not stain the cleanness and purity of our party.
November 3, 2002 has been a turning point for our country and nation. The style of politics, the understanding of administration, the standard of democracy and the unity between nation and state have all profoundly changed since November 3rd.
Those who think that the will of nation can be manifested in ways other than the elections will face against the nation itself. Those who think that democracy can be delayed and weakened will face against the nation. Those who think that the policies of government can be manipulated via criminal organizations, mafia, hidden scenarios and dark connections will face against the law, nation and the AK Party government.
(He then cites from the composer of National Anthem)
AK Party is determined to improve the Turkish democracy with the power vested by the great Turkish nation. AK Party is determined to elevate Turkey to the standard of contemporary civilizations set by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. We will continue to exalt our country, nation and state without compromising democracy, secularism, social state and state of law which are all basic principles of our Republic.
My dear brothers and sisters,
My dear fellow companions,
Throughout the history of our democracy the governments wore down within short periods of time like two or three years, losing their enthusiasm and struggling in a sea of degeneration and corruption. Unfortunately politics had turned into a tool for personal interest and gain while it should only be about serving the nation, saddening by the grief of people and solving the problems of people. Those who thought that the primary objective of politics is being in power, using the means and abilities of government were doomed to submit to their own personal interest and unethical quest for benefit.
AK Party started its journey with the following motto:
We said “we came to be a servant not to be a master to this nation” and indeed we are the servant of our nation not the master of it. We will continue our journey this way because we re-determined the purpose of politics by saying “human lies in the foundation of everything and therefore politics must be practiced for the peace and happiness of people”. Securing the futures of certain people and political parties is no longer the goal of practicing politics.
We have achieved many firsts in our country. A political approach that believes all the political parties, all the institutions and the entire system should focus only on the peace, happiness and well-being of people is in power now. That is why after only 16 months of its foundation, our nation chose AK Party.
The aim of politics has become attaining the common interest of society. It has become establishing justice by all means. It has become providing rights and liberties to every individual. A political approach without values, ideals and ethical goals does not have a place in our book. AK Party is the sole home of policy of service, policy of unity and policy focusing on human. While starting our journey our motto was “exalt people so the state shall excel”. People should come before state not the other way around.
We could not let the gaps between politics and people, between government and public, between state and citizens to widen everyday. Thus we have been working; to achieve a social restoration, to stimulate unification between the state and nation, and to restore the damaged trust. Reestablishing the unification of nation and state by making politics a more effective medium and refreshing the trust towards the institutions of state are among our primary goals. We did not and will not give room to corruption and unlawfulness.
Those who expect AK Party to get corrupted are waiting for a lost cause. Those who expect AK Party to wear down are waiting for a lost cause. Those who expect AK Party to get tired, nonchalant and stagnant are waiting for a lost cause.
We have been exposed to a number of false allegations and defamations for the last seven years because we were very productive and successful. We refuted all these false allegations and defamations one by one. Those who tried to trick and deceit us have fallen to their own trap.
AK Party has reversed the dizzying force and corrupting effect of being in power. We have turned the habits upside down. We have showed how to stand tall and grow while being in power without losing our identity, philosophy, ideals and without distancing from law and giving up protecting the interest of Turkey and its nation.
We started the spread of stability from politics by winning all four elections we have participated. Now from this pumped up building I am once again addressing all my brothers and sister who gave their hearts to us and each member of our organization:
We have a long way to go my sisters and brothers… Our journey will be a difficult one… Our journey requires a lot of effort… (He then cites from Yunus Emre and Asik Veysel) We will continue to walk hand in hand with our nation in this difficult path with patience, effort, cooperation and most importantly with sheer enthusiasm.
Those who have different expectations- exceeding the sole aim of serving to this nation and country- from this party and movement should part their ways with us. Those who might have lost their desire and love to serve shall step aside. Those who feel jaded shall take a break.
We have faced our nation for this past seven years holding our head up high and will continue to do so, we will embrace our nation because that is where we are taking our strength from.
We have suffered a lot and came from great difficulties… We came as a hope for the poor… We always sided with the poor and fought in the front lines of the battle against poverty. We will continue our journey with the same mindset. We will continue to be the voice of the poor, weak, outcast and those who are in need. We have worked for reaching out to every citizen, taking care of poor households, warming the cold hands and helping those who fell to get back on their feet. We shall never lose this drive of ours.
Undoubtedly we were not 100 percent successful but we have worked for it. Do not forget and do not let anyone to forget this…
The responsibility of our worker brother from Dilovasi to Kadikoy who makes his living with his labor rests upon our shoulders. The responsibility of Gazi District in Istanbul, Kuscagiz District in Ankara and Benu District in Diyarbakir rest upon our shoulders. The responsibility of a girl, whose hands are shaken from the cold as the stove in her house does not work, rests upon our shoulders. The responsibility of our elders who are in need of a bowl of soup rests in our shoulders.
No matter how heavy our responsibility is, we will work night and day to solve the problems. If we took this responsibility we shall work to carry it successfully. We are going to work harder, run faster.
My dear sisters and brothers,
Honorable members of AK Party,
With the new dimension and dynamism brought to the politics by AK Party, Turkey has been undergoing a major and drastic change for the last seven years. It would be misleading to compare our 7 year of office with the previous governments. For we have considered Turkey as a whole, for we came up with holistic and profound solutions to the issues. We have set new records for the last 10, 20 or 50 years and even for the entire history of the Republic in many areas. We added new elements to the social capital of our Republic, country and nation.
I want you to note this:
I travelled to USA last week in order to participate the 64th edition of General Assembly of UN and the G-20 summit. Within six days I have made head to head meetings with leaders from 32 different countries excluding the official meetings. Almost every week we host representatives from a couple of countries in Turkey. I, my Minister of Foreign Affairs, my Chief Negotiator, my other minister friends and representatives of my party, we are all involved in this traffic of diplomacy. These are all firsts in our history. We are debating issues such as the Syrian-Israeli meetings, Iran, Iraq, Caucasus, Middle East, Balkans, Palestine, nuclear disarmament, climate change, water issues, food issues, poverty and global economy. We also talk about Turkish accession to the EU, the Cyprus issue, problems of our lorry drivers and the visa problems of our Turkish citizens. We are debating every issue whether it is small or big, we are working on solutions and actively monitoring every issue. Those, who are criticizing us with travelling too much, are lagging so behind of the process that they are unable to grasp the busy load and the new mission of the Turkish foreign policy.
My dear brothers and sisters,
I have been to all of our 81 cities at least three times. I have even been to some cities 30 times. I am travelling to Anatolia, to Thrace, mile by mile, city by city, municipality by municipality even village by village in order to inspect our work, see them for myself, and participate their opening ceremonies and to listen to the problems of our people.
However, I do not attend to ceremonies of laying foundation, my friends cover that duty. I only participate the ceremonies for openings when the work is done. This is our difference. Moreover, I travel country by country and talk about the Cyprus issue, about the EU and about the problems of our citizens living in those countries. My citizens living in USA, Australia, Germany, Bulgaria, Romania or in Greece are happy to see their Prime Minister in person and they get the feeling of not being alone. In most of the countries and cities I have been to, I have been told by our citizens that I was the first Prime Minister that visited their cities and talk to them.
I am sorry to report… Unfortunately I have to admit this bitter fact here… Among our 81 cities in Anatolia there were some that were visited by a Prime Minister after 10 or even 20 years of time. Those who consider the expenses of plane, bus, car, or subsistence should think about why they never leave Ankara. During the campaign for the 29 March elections, thanks to our encouragement, they could have made rallies only in a couple of cities east of Sivas.
Sorry but we are not that kind of politicians. We, as a country, have a long history, a rich culture and a tradition of state. Turkish foreign policy cannot be a “wait and see” policy. We have a wide common area where we speak the same language, share the same culture, and share the same feelings. No one should expect Turkey to be a country that spins around in pursuit of the global agenda. Turkey can never be a country which remains silent when facing injustice. Quite the opposite, today Turkey; sets the agenda, makes its presence felt in regional and global matters, and has elevated to a very prestigious and powerful status as a country.
My fellow brothers and sisters,
Thanks to the effective policies of AK Party, Turkey has managed to get rid of the conflict psychology of the Cold War era and has started to follow a foreign policy based on trust and cooperation. By doing so, Turkey has become a country in its region and in the world that is being respected and trusted. Today Turkey stands on a totally different position. We did not act on the reflexes of the Cold War but on a spirit of an historical mission. We are making our foreign policy considering the rich history, the cultural depth and the geo-strategic position of Turkey. On this turning point of history, we are assuming the role that Turkey should bear.
We have minimized the areas of problem thanks to our policy of zero conflict with our neighbors. Our efforts on the issue quickly produced results. Turkey is now the home of peace, security and consistency in its region. Now we have moved on the active friendship and cooperation relations from passive neighboring relations. We are building a belt of consistency and welfare that surrounds us by strengthening our friendship and cooperation with our neighbors. We are aware of the fact that it is extremely important for our country, region and for world peace.
With the effect of globalization, the problems in the world are crossing over the national boundaries and the old walls are replaced with the new facts of the 21st century. It is now a historical obligation -not a choice anymore- for Turkey to become an order-facilitating force in its region and in the world. This point of view determines the AK Party’s national, regional and global vision. Our smart policies have only one goal: Carrying Turkey into its rightful position in the world.
Our method is to evaluate the national, regional and global issues with a universal point of view and providing solutions with our national values, historical experience and social depth. Surrounding Turkey with walls is not the way to make Turkey a shining star in the 21st century. It is impossible to extol Turkey with valor. We have said that for small political interests such as parties, votes and elections one should not hinder the progress of this country. We said that the vision of Grand Turkey is above all the party politics. That is why we said Turkey should think big and aim high. Regardless of one’s political views, a big and powerful Turkey means a more spacious, livable and bigger Turkey for everyone. There is room for everyone in this Grand Turkey. Our people of Grand Turkey possess grand heart and vision. Grand Turkey is a source of stability and peace in its region. It is a country, which gives confidence rather than giving discomfort and it empathizes rather than imposing.
Turkey’s new global vision and foreign policy activism are being appreciated not only by some countries or by some countries in the region but by the entire nations and states in the world. Turkey should act with this vision and an order-setting actor. As a NATO member, Turkey continues to be a source of security and stability in its region. As a member of G-20, Turkey plays an active role in rebuilding the global economic system. Playing an active part in institutions such as Council of Europe, OSCE, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Turkey cooperates and works in solidarity with everybody and leads many initiatives to solve the regional and global problems. The growing impact of Turkey within the international organizations proves the increasing importance of Turkey. While a new world is in the making in the 21st century, Turkey has become a country that contributes to the global politics and sets the direction of it.
For Turkey has its own words to say to the world. For we have just begun to speak. For our era is just beginning now. For we have a good story, a dream to tell. For we consider justice, equity, equality, sharing, fellowship and respect as universal virtues. We are striving for fairly and consistently realizing these virtues and putting them into practice. Without favoring any country, we ask for an equal treatment because the principles that are not properly put into practice quickly lose their meanings. Therefore, we are striving for the universal principle of justice to be consistently applied in every corner of the world from Gaza to Afghanistan, from China to Africa, from the Balkans to Latin America.
My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to this…
From the day Israeli offensive to Gaza started, we have showed –as Turkey- our rightful reaction. We channeled the attention of global public opinion into this issue and loudly expressed the necessity of immediate ceasing of these attacks. This type of reaction and behavior suit to Turkey, to Turkish Foreign Policy to the AK Party Government. While the world remains blind, deaf and mute to this massacre that takes place in front of their own eyes; we decisively, courageously and honestly objected it in every platform. Today we continue to follow the process for healing the wounds of Palestinian people and keeping the promises given to Gaza. It is been eight months since the Security Council’s decision number 1860 was taken and the military combat in Gaza Strip ended and both sides declared ceasefire.
What is result of the meeting that took place in Sharm el-Sheikh? It has been six months since 4.5 billion dollars for the reconstruction of Gaza Strip was allocated. However, the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza is still ongoing. The wounds of Gaza people are yet to be healed. People of Gaza still lives in tents. The promises made for Gaza were not kept. The construction material is not allowed to enter Gaza. Is this human? Is this just? Is this a humanitarian approach? The gates are not open and they are almost not going to allow the entrance of food and medicine. The Palestinian question cannot be solved if only the demands of one side are considered. The safety of Palestinians is equally important as the safety of Israelis. The demand of Palestinian people for freedom and peace is as legitimate as the demand of Israel for stability.
One of the major obstacles in front of the regional and global peace, the Palestinian question, can only be solved if just and equal treatment is shown to everyone. In a similar way, on the subject of nuclear weapons, we ask to the global public for equal and just treatment to every country. Attention please, we ask for the reigning powers to be on an equal distance to every country on the issue of nuclear weapons. Justice requires acting this way. Surely the nuclear program of Iran can be discussed and in fact it is being discussed. However, we shall in the same way also talk about and discuss the nuclear weapons that Israel possesses. We should talk about the white phosphorus –a weapon of mass destruction- used by Israel in Gaza. Otherwise the conscience of public opinion will be hurt, the feeling of justice will wear out, and starting with the UN the credibility of international organizations will diminish. Turkey, applying this approach, broadens its scope in every area from diplomacy to culture, from tourism to art. Turkey now hosts dozens of international meetings, conferences, summits, symposiums, workshops, exhibitions and concerts. Turkey is becoming one of the most important centers of attraction in recent years with its history, nature, art, culture and people. Turkey is reaching to a higher status in its region as it is the most wanted, most followed, and most visited country in the fields of investment, education, technology, health and tourism. We are working for solving the problems and achieving peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan, between Syria and Israel, and between Palestine and Israel.
We are helping to Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Syria and Georgia to solve their problems with their neighbors and with the international community. We have strived to establish friendly ties with all our neighbors for the past seven years. We drastically increased the volume of commercial and economic cooperation with all our neighbors. The latest example for this is our effort to solve the problems with Armenia. I want to underline the fact that we do not accept the imposition of deadlock as a solution and the use of deadlock as a foreign policy tool. We cannot be a powerful country in the 21st century with unresolved problems. The understanding that takes deadlock as a solution has expired its due date. Continuing the old policies and repeating the old discourses are wrong, unsustainable and unrealistic.

The interest of Turkey, the interest of our nation, the interest of our country all lie in change. Those who resist to change cannot protect the interest of our country, nation and state. A strong country, a strong state should leave minor issues behind and focus on the future. We, the Turkish side, have always favored the solution on the issue of Cyprus. Everybody has to know that the basic parameters for peace in Cyprus are obvious. The solution lies in equality of both sides, in two separate nations, in two separate democracies and in existence of two separate states. A settlement will be reached on this ground. It is impossible for Turkish Cypriots to give up their sovereignty, equal status and equal partnership for which they put a long and grueling effort. We will continue to work for a solution. We will never bow to those who impose the deadlock as a solution. We do not owe anything to anyone. We do not need anyone. If despite all our well-intended efforts the deadlock remains in place, then no one should expect Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to show understanding. No one should knock Turkey’s door with new demands. They would not be able to face themselves, their societies and the history.

Turkish Cypriots constitutes an inseparable part of Turkish nation. As it has been in the past, Turkey will be the biggest insurance of Turkish Cypriots’ peace and well-being today, tomorrow and always. However, I want you to pay attention to this… While we were working on the solution of Cyprus issue, some people said “they are selling Cyprus”… Today they are crushed by the burden of their claim. They are crushed under the burden of their slanders, accusations and allegations. I am asking those with a conscience and with reason, for the love of God during our seven years in office what has been sold in Cyprus? Sitting in Ankara you would not be able to see it, to know it. Seeing the accomplishment today, I wonder if those who harshly criticized us 7 seven years ago, are able to say “we were wrong”.

They actually did the same thing on every issue… Every time we question a chronic problem of Turkey, they blamed us in an unethical fashion using terms such as ‘treason’, ‘betrayal’ and ‘selling’ which is never suited for political decorum. Now I am asking you all: Did we sell Cyprus? Were the conditions better in the past or are they better now in Cyprus? Were the reputation and recognition of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus better in the past or are they better now?

Let me give you the answer with some numbers:
I am addressing those who have reason and understanding. I am addressing those who are watching us in their televisions. Between the years 1997 and 2002 an average 210 million dollars worth of aid had been donated to TRNC in a five year period. In year 2002 the donation was 377 million dollars. We raised the average of donation to 523 million dollars per annum. In year 2009 –pay attention to this part- our donation reached to 815 million dollars. Incentives to tourism and higher education investments have been provided for the economic development in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to be constant and permanent. In last 28 years the bed space had increased only by 6 thousand beds but with our government’s incentives the increase in bed space for the last 7 years has reached to 20 thousand.

As it is with the tourism, major breakthroughs have been achieved in higher education as well. The number of university students in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1999 was 21 thousand and this number exceeded 42 thousand in 2007. We aim to take this number up to 60 thousand in medium term.

The balances have been changed without removing a single Turkish soldier from the island. The things people say to us! They tell us to remove our troops. Many people have told us this. We did not withdraw a single soldier. We sat to the table, discussed the Annan Plan and said that if every party accepts the terms then we too would accept the terms. We told them not to expect anything from us as long as the terms were not accepted by others. An obedient government no longer exists in Turkey.

In the meantime Council of Europe’s Chairman of Parliamentary Assembly and Secretary General for OIC visited TRNC. Previously the TRNC used to participate the meetings of OIC as a group but now they participate under their title as they were referred to in Annan Plan. TRNC is now participating with an observer status. What an achievement! A decision that supports the removal of the restrictions on TRNC was taken in the German Parliament on May 24, 2007.

We also reached an agreement with UK for a common effort on the subject. Italian politicians (Maurizio Turco and Perduca Marco) have applied for TRNC citizenships and their applications were accepted. Today the TRNC citizens can travel to 15 countries in Middle East, Asia and Far East – also including USA, UK and France- with their own passports.
The number of external representation of TRNC has increased to 14 and the number of external representation located in TRNC has risen up to 7. We also finished the underwater project from Turkey to TRNC. So now we can pump water to TRNC with this underwater facility. We are now finalizing this project. Hopefully we will also build an energy line and our ties with TRNC will gain a whole new status. The Northern Cyprus will no longer experience shortages of energy and fresh water. We are putting an end to that as well. My distinguished brothers and sisters, I dedicate all these developments those who exploit TRNC for political purposes.

My distinguished brothers and sisters,

Today we are having our Grand Congress on a very important anniversary. We took the office at the end of 2002 and by 2004 we made Turkey a country that fulfills the Copenhagen Criteria. Four years ago today, on October 3rd, 2005 Turkey started the negotiations for accession to the European Union.

We completed the screening process in 35 chapters within a year. Up until now we have opened and closed one chapter and negotiations have started in ten other chapters. The most notable developments in Turkey’s half a century long quest for EU membership took place during the office of AK Party.

In order to make consistency and peace permanent in our country and in order to improve the quality of life and our democracy we, as Turkish side, meticulously do our part to fulfill the requirements of EU accession process. However, question marks regarding the genuine intentions of EU side are emerging as only two chapters are being opened in every rotating presidency term, as constantly new conditions are set for Turkey, and the rules of engagement are being altered during the game. Moreover, some European leaders are using Turkey’s membership as a matter of domestic politics which also turns out to be a serious unfair treatment towards our country. I would like to remind the fact in this Grand Congress of ours that our government will pursue the accession process with ultimate determination. The fact that I have assigned a minister for the post of chief negotiator proves this determination. We do our part and we will continue doing that. If the EU insists on ignoring our effort and aspiration and continues to put new obstacles and rules in front of us then it is their own choice. However, we will continue to make our reforms and raise our standards for ourselves, our country and our nation.

By the way the election for Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe is being held and hopefully -if there will not be a last minute complication- for the first time in history a Turk, our Antalya deputy Mevlut Cavusoglu, will be the Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe in January.

My fellow companions,

We will do our best to continue to extol, to improve Turkey and its reputation. Turkey contributes to peace as a member of UN Security Council. Turkey contributes to the direction of global economy as a member of institutions such as G-20. Turkey holds the co-presidency of Alliance of Civilizations which is among the most important projects of the century.

Today people talk about Turkey in everywhere from Beijing to New York. People talk about the honorable stance of Turkey in everywhere from Kabul to Madrid, from Sana to Cairo, from Beirut to Melbourne. The underdogs of the world talk about the leadership of Turkey and the strength of Turkey. My citizens living in abroad also enjoy the pride of being a citizen of Turkey that stands tall against injustice and that shows leadership qualities.

My dear brothers and sisters,

We came up with a meaningful motto for the 3rd Grand Congress of AK Party. Like we voiced it since the day of our foundation, today we address entire Turkey and entire world form the very bottom of our hearts and say:

We, together, are Turkey. We all make this land our own country. We all became a single nation in this land. We fought together in Canakkale, in Sakarya, in Dumlupinar and became martyrs together. We are Turkey with our martyrs. We are Turkey with our veterans. We are Turkey with our folklore, songs and folk dances. We are Turkey with our common destiny, common ideals, common history and common future.

My distinguished brothers and sisters,

Each of our 72 million citizens is primary, indispensible elements and first class citizens of this country. This is extremely important and I state this with all my honesty and sincerity: If you pull out Khoja Ahmat Yssawi, Hajji Bektash Wali, Pir Sultan Abdal and Hacı Bayram-ı Veli from the history of this country and if you ignore them then you left this country orphan and unfounded. Turkey would be mute without Yunus Emre. Turkey would be soulless without Rumi. Turkey would be out of folkloric songs if is does not listen to Sabahat Akkiraz. Turkey’s compositions would be incomplete if Tatyos Efendi were to be ignored. Turkey yearned for Cem Karaca as much as he yearned for Tukey. Turkey’s songs would be incomplete if the songs of Ahmet Kaya who said ‘So long apple of my eye’ are not appreciated. As we cannot imagine a Turkey without Mehmet Akif, Turkey would not be complete without Nazim Hikmet. You may like him or not, you may appreciate him or not, you may accept his views or not but without Ehmede Xani, without Said Nursi of Bitlis the soul of Turkey would be incomplete. We are Turkey with all our colors, flavors, scents, mountains, rocks and rivers. It is this embracing approach that makes AK Party Turkey’s party. It is this rich perspective that makes AK Party the number one party in each of seven geographical districts of Turkey.

We have listened to Rumi and said “come, no matter who you are, still come”. We have listened to Hajji Bektash Wali and said “we shall be one, be big and be powerful”. We have listened to Pir Sultan Abdal and said “come dears, we will be as one”. We have listened to Yunus and said “let’s be acquaintances”. We did not love anyone for being Sunni, Alaouite, Turk, Kurd, Circassian, Laz, Tatar, Abkhas, Arab, gipsy, Jew, Greek or Armenian; we love everybody for they are human. We learned this manner from Yunus who says “we love people because of their creator”. We learned this manner from our soldiers, martyrs and veterans who offered coffee to their enemies in Canakkale. No one bears the right to outcast the other in this country. Outcasting is not an organic trait of this country. Alienating is not an organic trait of this country. If we had made mistakes in the past, we should put them aside and start over with a clean sheet.

This land is Anatolia… This land is motherly. This land opens its arm wide to everyone with love, compassion and care like a mother. In this land no one has the right to alienate or condescend the other because of his/her religion, creed, nationality or ethnicity. The only thing that is not tolerated in this land is the intolerance. We are listening to the voices echoing in this land for thousands of years and we are embracing spirit of fellowship shaping this land for thousands of years. Class conflict is not in our book. Creed conflict is not in our book. Ethnic conflict is not in our book. In our book there is no favoring one part of our country over another. The entire 780 thousand kilometer square has the same status, it is our land. Each of our 72 million citizens is primary, indispensible elements and first class citizens of this country.

We should not forget the fact that the establishment of absolute liberty and freedom can only be possible if everybody feels secure. We cannot talk about freedom and liberty when security is absent. We are building our policy on these two concepts. Therefore, we have never practiced ethnic discrimination and we never will. We have never practiced religious discrimination and we never will. We have never practiced regional discrimination and we never will. We are following a unifying, uniting and holistic policy. We want a unified, united and whole Turkey. It is in our hands to make it happen. We can make it happen with our government, opposition, constitutional institutions, non-governmental organizations, artists, scientists and academicians.