Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.11
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
Strengthening of Turkey concerns England, France and other countries, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said, Sabah newspaper reported on Jan.11.
Turkey's growing influence in the region and in the world for the past 11 years is not in the interests of some countries, the minister said.
Talking about corruption scandal in Turkey, Foreign Minister accused outside forces in the events.
The minister also stressed that Turkey has substantial experience in public administration since the time of the Ottoman Empire.
"Turkey's ruling party has faced with many challenges, and recent events do not affect its operation," Davutoglu said.
Turkish police conducted special operations in Istanbul and Ankara on Dec.17, resulting in the arrest of 52 people that includes businessmen and sons of some ministers. The businessmen are accused of corruption, smuggling and selling drugs.
Mayor of Istanbul's Fatih Municipality, Mustafa Demir, Director General of Turkish Halkbank Suleyman Aslan and well known entrepreneur Ali Agaoglu were arrested during the same operation by police. Searches were conducted at Halkbank's office.
After a meeting with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in late December, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a new cabinet of ministers.
Translated by M.L.