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Gül points to stronger democracy for resolution of problems
“A higher level of democracy is the solution to all problems. Without the need to define them as problems of religion or ethnicity, our problems will be solved if we raise our democratic standards. We can settle any problems of Kurdish, Alevi and religious citizens through democracy without being obliged to name those problems,” the president told reporters on Friday during his flight to Azerbaijan to attend the ninth meeting of the Turkic-speaking Countries Cooperation Council.
Gül referred to democracy and the rule of law as the two most important values of the contemporary world.
The president also clarified remarks made during a speech he delivered on Thursday in Parliament in which he called for more respect for differences in society. “When I say respect for differences, I am not just pointing to ethnic and sectarian ones. I am also pointing to political ones,” he remarked.
Asked about the attendance of military officers during his parliamentary address, Gül expressed full confidence in the Turkish military and noted that he states his views freely when he meets with members of the military.
The president was also asked a question about the recent elections in Germany. Most observers have said the new German government will lend less support to Turkey's bid to join the European Union. “We all know the EU standards and in which areas we need to make improvements. If we make these improvements, then Turkey's outlook will change, which will result in a change in the views of France and Germany toward our country,” he noted.
The president also expressed hope that his Armenian counterpart will visit Turkey this month for a World Cup soccer qualifier between Turkey and Armenia.
“We went to Yerevan without making any conditions. What is important here is sports and gentlemanliness. It is clear that the status quo in the Caucasus is of no benefit to anyone,” Gül stated.
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