Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29
Trend:
Turkey can avoid problems the developed countries are currently struggling with only if its identity and independence are preserved, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Istanbul, Anadolu Agency reported Nov. 29.
The Turkish president noted that the human values should be taken into account in the economic development of any country.
The president added that the developed countries of the West currently cannot overcome the stagnation.
“Increase in demand is the most important thing in economic development, and this increase is provided not at the expense of machines or financial institutions,” Erdogan said.
He noted that consumers form the demand, therefore, the path to sustainable development is only through improving the welfare of the population.
“Victory, both in the military and the economy sphere, is determined by the human factor,” the president said. “It is impossible to build a healthy global future without ensuring population growth, without creating a financial system that stimulates investment and production, not taking into account the factor of justice.”
“The people who prevented the treacherous coup, an attempt of the country’s occupation, who suffered bloody terrorist attacks, can resist economic pressure as well,” said the Turkish leader.
On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them. However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Previously Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded. He also declared a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on July 20. It was decided to prolong the state of emergency for 90 more days on Oct. 3.
Erdogan further commented on the situation with the migrants in Europe and Turkey.
“While Europe cannot accept a few hundreds of migrants, Turkey has placed three million refugees on its territory and maintains them at its own expense,” he said. “The European Parliament's latest decision on Turkey recognizes this.”
The European Parliament adopted a temporary motion on Nov. 24 recommending suspending the discussion of Turkey's EU membership. The European Parliament’s resolution was adopted by 479 votes "for" and 37 "against", 107 MPs abstained from voting.
According to the resolution, the European Parliament is concerned about the measures taken in Turkey as part of the emergency situation in the country. According to the document, if the death penalty is restored in Turkey, Turkey's EU membership will be fully suspended.
Turkey cancelled the death penalty in 2001. Reinstating the death penalty was discussed after the military coup attempt of July 15, 2016.
Moreover, according to the European Parliament’s resolution, Turkey has not fulfilled seven of 72 conditions for visa-free regime within the EU.
“Of course, we are upset by the EU’s offensive attitude,” Erdogan added. “Despite this, we haven’t ceased relations with the EU yet. Unfortunately, the situation doesn’t allow to think positively for now. However, we shouldn’t forget that Turkey as a lot of alternatives and the country can continue its path by choosing one of them.”