Erdoğan speaks at iftar program with families of martyrs and veterans: 'We keep our iron fist ready'

Erdoğan met with families of martyrs and veterans at Dolmabahçe Palace on the first day of the month of Ramadan.

Here are the highlights from the statements of AKP Chairman and President Erdoğan:

"We owe a great deal to our brothers and sisters who work selflessly day and night for our security. In essence, we are a nation that has proven that every individual will sacrifice themselves without hesitation to protect and defend their country. Just as much as we love living in peace and tranquility, we are equally uncompromising against the slightest attack on our homeland, symbolized by our flag, and on the life and property security of our citizens.

"WE KEEP OUR IRON FIST READY"

From now on, we will continue to observe mutual respect and dialogue instead of hate speech, fighting, and tension. In the event that the hand we extend remains in the air, we always keep our iron fist ready.

"THERE IS A TURKEY THAT DISRUPTS DIRTY GAMES"

Today, there is a strong, powerful, and far-reaching Turkey in every field. There is a Turkey that has become the hope not only of its own citizens but of the oppressed around the world. There is a Turkey that does not fall for games, but sets the agenda in its region and beyond, and disrupts dirty games. We have reached an independent Turkey that cuts its own umbilical cord with its aircraft, tanks, artillery, and missiles.

"WE ARE WRITING OUR OWN HISTORY"

This reality lies behind the great successes we have achieved in the fight against terrorism, especially in the last 10 years. We have been determined to take historic steps to resolve our issues with composure. Without being trapped in the agendas of others, we are writing our own history. Whatever we do, we do it for the development of our country and for it to break free from the chains that hinder social welfare. I hope that our martyrs, veterans, and their relatives will view events in this light.

"IF PROMISES ARE NOT KEPT, THE FAULT WILL NOT BE OURS"

Let no one have any doubt about this; Turkey possesses one of the world's strongest and most powerful armies in the fight against terrorism. If the promises made are not kept and if cunning tactics are pursued, the fault will not be ours. We will continue our operations until not a single stone is left on top of another and the last terrorist is eliminated."