Turkish PM: ‘Every Muslim needs to condemn terrorism’

Speaking at the 8th International Labor Forum, Erdogan said: "Muslims should refrain from making the mistake of defining these terrorist acts as `Islamic terrorism.’ We get upset when we see some Muslims committing this mistake. Terrorism does not have a religion, nationality or race. Terrorism is a phenomenon that can strike anywhere, anytime. We should be aware of this fact. I can only call this `fundamentalist terrorism.’"

Erdogan’s speech generated significant applause from listeners. He noted the Turkish government was assessing all developments and following who, which organizations and what nations were involved in terrorism.

He said: "Iraq is currently one of the centers of terrorism. 30 Turkish nationals have been victims of terrorism in that country. Citizens of other Muslim countries also suffered casualties in Iraq. Unfortunately, we still see our Muslim brethren becoming victims of occupation every day."

Erdogan added: "The incident in the Caucasus, in North Ossetia, was terrorism and was the result of fundamentalist terror. In your presence, I am condemning such acts."

Erdogan thanked the host of the congress, the Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MUSIAD).