Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.11
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
The Turkish economy will not suffer from corruption scandal, country's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, Turkish Milliyet newspaper reported on Jan.11.
Erdogan said that nothing can weaken the economy of the country.
"Turkish economy is built on strong foundations, and events in the Gezi park and corruption scandal will not affect it," the prime minister 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.