Statements from President Erdoğan following the critical Cabinet Meeting: 'Power centers are not standing idle'

The main topics of the Cabinet Meeting were the latest situation in Syria, a 'terror-free Turkey,' and the issue of stray dogs.

Highlights from the statements of AKP Chairman and President Erdoğan:

Ramadan is an exceptional time when we reinforce our solidarity, exalt our brotherhood, and experience the joy of sharing.

Our municipalities, public institutions, foundations, associations, and philanthropists are all carrying out activities in line with the spirit of Ramadan. In our neighbor Syria, after 14 years of oppression, our brothers and sisters are spending the month of Ramadan for the first time without the fear of bombs raining down on them.

Our brothers and sisters in Gaza, who are observing Ramadan under Israel's brutal attacks, are taking a breath of relief, even if only among the ruins, in the fragile environment provided by the ceasefire. We once again send our love and messages of solidarity to our brothers and sisters in Syria and Gaza.

"THE EVENTS IN SYRIA ARE LARGELY UNDER CONTROL"

As we say 'peace for everyone, stability for everyone,' the power centers that feed on the instability of the Islamic geography are not standing idle. In many places, attempts are being made to incite conflict, tension, and chaos, sometimes through ethnic lines and sometimes through sectarian ones. We witnessed the latest example of this in our neighbor Syria, in the terrorist acts aimed at inciting sectarian strife by provocateurs who are remnants of the old regime. Thanks to the effective intervention of the Syrian government, we see that the events are largely under control, but the situation on the ground still maintains its sensitivity. As Turkey, we condemn in the strongest terms every attack and terrorist act that targets the unity and social peace of Syria. We are taking the necessary measures. Furthermore, we are providing the necessary suggestions to the Syrian authorities for the tense atmosphere to be left behind as quickly as possible. We welcome the determined messages of President Shara, which are as soothing as they are about punishing those who act outside the law. Mr. Shara is pursuing an inclusive policy without falling into the trap of revanchism. We sincerely desire for Syria to attain the lasting peace and tranquility it has longed for for decades as soon as possible.

"WE HAVE PASSED OUR TEST OF BROTHERHOOD WITH FLYING COLORS IN BOTH SYRIA AND GAZA"

I believe that the entire Syrian people will not allow those who want their country to be torn apart and dragged into a quagmire of instability. We are friends and partners in destiny. I remind those who have been trying to spread the fire in Syria to our country for exactly 14 years: we are not interested in anyone's origin, religion, sect, or belief in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, or any other country in the region. Whatever we defended while the most primitive form of fascism was being displayed to win elections last year, we are defending the same principles with determination today. No one can lecture us on conscience. Those who remained silent for 14 years while innocent children were being killed cannot come out today and be insolent toward us. We are a government that has passed our test of brotherhood with flying colors in both Syria and Gaza.

"THE OPPOSITION SHOULD NOT ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE OF SEDITION"

The opposition must act responsibly on such an issue and stop adding fuel to the fire of sedition. Engaging in politics by provoking our Alevi brothers and sisters is an act of sabotage. Looking for help from genocidal murderers is, in the literal sense, a form of mandate-seeking. In the new process, we will continue to provide all kinds of support for our neighbor Syria to recover, protect its territorial integrity and unitary structure, and achieve peace with all its ethnic and sectarian elements.

"A PEACE WITHOUT RUSSIA AND UKRAINE WILL NEVER BE PERMANENT"

We discussed security and defense issues at the European Union meeting we attended via videoconference. The value of the balanced, consistent, and principled stance Turkey has followed since the first day is better understood today. We emphasize at every opportunity that a peace without Russia or Ukraine will never be permanent. We want to develop our relations with the European Union with a perspective focused on the goal of full membership, based on mutual respect and common interests.

MESSAGES ON THE ECONOMY

We have received promising news in the economy in the period we left behind. By taking the wind of investments and exports behind us, we will show even stronger growth this year. Our debt burden has lightened. Our risk premium has fallen. The real sector's confidence in the economy has begun to rise. Our employment rates are increasing. We have also made significant progress in the fight against inflation. In February, inflation fell to 39%. The decline in inflation will continue, especially for the rest of the year. As we achieved during our previous governments, we will hopefully bring inflation down to single digits again. As the decline accelerates, the purchasing power of our citizens will also increase. Our proposal regarding both birth grants and holiday bonuses for our retirees has been submitted to the Speaker of the Parliament by our group today. Unlike the opposition, we think of our nation, not ourselves.