Erdoğan speaks at 'Mukhtars Meeting': We will grow Turkey on the basis of freedoms without wavering or faltering

Highlights from President Erdoğan's statements are as follows:

"We have come together and consulted with more than 40 thousand of our mukhtars from all four corners of Turkey. We sought solutions to the troubles of our nation. In our latest meeting, we came together with mukhtars from all 81 of our provinces.

THE DOORS OF ALL OUR INSTITUTIONS ARE OPEN TO OUR MUKHTARS

Our close rapport with you has naturally had other results as well. Previously, there were those who turned up their noses when the word 'mukhtar' was mentioned. They have begun to understand the true value of the work you do. They cannot understand what it means to be elected and to serve the nation. The doors of all our institutions are open to our mukhtars.

NO ONE CAN CRUSH OUR MUKHTAR BROTHERS BY USING THEIR POSITION

Those who criticize our dialogue with you cannot grasp what it means to serve this noble nation. No matter what position they hold, no one can crush my mukhtar brothers by using the power of their office.

THEY SAID ABOUT ME 'HE CANNOT EVEN BE A MUKHTAR'

That is why we cherish the institution of the mukhtars. All state officials who come to their positions by appointment are obligated to use this duty to serve the nation. What did they say about me? 'He cannot even be a mukhtar.' Look, this humble servant is a brother of yours who has lived the old Turkey to his very core. In our political journey spanning over half a century, we have faced many difficulties.

WE WILL GROW TURKEY ON THE BASIS OF FREEDOMS

Throughout my political life, I have fought against the ailments that have dragged Turkey's democracy down. We worked and sweated without paying attention to the obstacles in our path and without taking a step back in the face of pressure. Hopefully, we will continue our struggle with determination together with you from now on. Without wavering or faltering, we will grow Turkey on the basis of freedoms, just as we have done until today.

WORDS ARE NOW HELPLESS

Words are now helpless to describe the massacres that have been ongoing in Gaza for the last year and spread to Lebanon last month. The perpetrators of the murder of 50 thousand innocents are Israel's lawless occupation forces, but those who provide unconditional support to the Israeli government are also partners in this massacre. We did not see, and we still do not see, any of those who camped in Taksim for a month during the Gezi protests in Palestine or Lebanon.

WE STAND WITH THE PEOPLE OF PALESTINE

They remained silent, they cowered, and they were afraid. For the sake of supporting Israel, they trampled underfoot all the values they claimed to defend. They did nothing but pat Israel on the back and applaud the Israeli government after the treacherous political assassinations it committed. As Turkey, we are the enemy of the oppressor and the protector of the oppressed. We stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle for dignity and freedom against the genocide network.

THE ONLY COUNTRY THAT FEARLESSLY SHOUTS THE TRUTH IS TURKEY

Everyone with reason and conscience sees this; the cause of the death of 50 thousand innocents is unconditionally Israel and its military forces, but those who send weapons unconditionally are also partners in this. The only country that fearlessly shouts this truth is Turkey. As an honorable son of this noble nation and the President of the Republic of Turkey, I can say this: we have always been the ones to step forward to speak the truth. We have tried to fulfill our duty of humanity and brotherhood toward the Palestinians properly.

I WISH MERCY UPON SINWAR

I wish mercy upon Yahya Sinwar, who drank the sherbet of martyrdom in recent days. I commemorate all the martyrs of Palestine and all our martyrs with mercy.

WE DO NOT LOOK AT ANYONE'S TEARS

Our fundamental policy is to protect the survival of our country. Whoever it may be that threatens our homeland, we do not look at their tears. As we draw attention to Israeli expansionism, despite all the evidence placed before them, the parties led by the main opposition party accuse us of exaggeration.

WE INVITE ALL POLITICAL PARTIES TO CONTRIBUTE

The laxity of the opposition does not concern us. While they are engaged in idle chatter at drinking tables, we are trying to extinguish the fire in our region. I especially want it to be known here; we are in an effort to further strengthen our nation and our national bond to defend our survival. We have never viewed different ethnic identities as elements of conflict. On the contrary, we have viewed all 85 million as an inseparable whole of the Republic of Turkey. We are struggling to meet within the framework of the National Anthem, our desire to live together as brothers within these lands. We invite all political parties to contribute."

News Source: 12punto