"I would not permit any attitude against secularism"

ANKARA (AA) – President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Wednesday, "recently, some circles have been trying to display certain attitudes against secular characteristics of the Republic. I will not give them such an opportunity."

Hosting a reception at the Cankaya Presidential Palace to mark the 80th anniversary of foundation of the Republic of Turkey, Sezer answered questions.

In response to a question about arguments over the invitations for the reception, President Sezer told reporters, "this is not my personal reception. This is the reception of the state. Characteristics of the state are clear. These characteristics are defined in the Constitution. The Republic of Turkey is a secular, democratic and social state of law. Recently, some circles have been trying to display certain attitudes against these secular characteristics of the Republic. I will not give them such an opportunity. Likewise, the presidents of Germany and France acted in the same way."

PRIME MINISTER ERDOGAN: "WE SUFFER PATIENTLY, BUT CONTINUE TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY"

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday about arguments over the reception to be hosted by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer at the Cankaya Presidential Palace to mark the 80th anniversary of foundation of the Republic of Turkey, "we suffer patiently, but continue to serve our country."

Prime Minister Erdogan hosted a dinner at the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) headquarters on the third day of the holy month of Ramadan for journalists.

Upon a question about reaction of AK Party deputies against different invitations for the reception, Prime Minister Erdogan said, "the 80th anniversary of foundation of the Republic of Turkey is not being celebrated only at the Cankaya Presidential Palace. Ceremonies have been taking place throughout Turkey. As you know, the parliament has not worked fully for the last two weeks. In fact, it is closed. Last week, the parliament was opened. However, it was decided to recess parliamentary general assembly due to Republic Day. Our deputies, who are out of Ankara, attended ceremonies in their election provinces. They will also attend receptions to be hosted by governor’s offices. Actually, our deputies should attend such activities in their election districts. They have been fulfilling their duties to this end."

"There are some certain reactions. However, I do not want to concentrate on them. There have not been such an implementation till last year. Such a discrimination created some difficulties not only among our deputies, but in some other circles. This discrimination caused sorrow among our friends. But, it will be meaningless to generalize these individual reactions. Today, we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of foundation of our Republic with a great excitement. There is not any problem about it. These celebrations will continue with the same enthusiasm. Our target is to carry out working to form a basis for the 100th anniversary celebrations," he told reporters.

Responding another question, Prime Minister Erdogan said, "our duty is to rule the country. We do not want to experience such things. We suffer patiently, but continue to serve our country."