Epress.am News from Armenia
Turkey has finally broken its silence over the Egyptian crisis after major newspapers criticized the government for its inexplicable silence on the issue, reports Al Jazeera English.
Addressing members of his AKP party in parliament, Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has thrown his weight completely behind the protesters in Egypt.
Erdogan appealed to Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president: “You have to listen to the wishes of the people in order to create security and stability. First you must take steps that are good for Egypt. You must take steps that satisfy the people.”
Erdogan called for anti-government protesters to refrain from violence and protect the country’s cultural heritage. “Everyone has the right to fight for freedom, but without violence,” said the Turkish PM.
“You must not forget that the people who oppose you are still human, still your brothers.”
He also talked about political reforms in the Middle East. “Our greatest wish in Egypt and Tunisia is that reforms are implemented as soon as possible, but also that peace and security are established,” said Erdogan.
He also underlined Turkey’s priorities towards supporting democratic cause.
“I spoke to president Barack Obama. He found it important to hear Turkey’s view as a democratic country in the region,” he concluded.