Turkish President Gül bids farewell while emphasizing need for democracy

Turkey’s main agenda should be rule of law, high democratic standards, accountability and good governance, outgoing President Abdullah Gül has said, underlining the significance of continuing political, economic and social reforms for the stability of the country’s future.

Gül’s indirect call to the government came just a month before the end of his tenure as the president.

“Our main agenda should be prevailing principles like good governance, transparency, accountability and the rule of law, as well as increasing quality in education, high democratic standards and the full membership process to the European Union. I am of the opinion that placing a priority on these issues will contribute to Turkey’s protection of its character as a predictable country in the long term; to keep its economic and political stability and to increase its confidence and welfare,” Gül said in a written statement on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. Recalling that his tenure would end Aug. 28, Gül said it was his last message on the occasion of the religious fest.  

“I am sure that Turkey will be a country much more developed and prosperous in the 100th year of our republic [in 2023],” he said.

Due to sufferings of millions of Muslims, especially in Gaza, Iraq and Syria, the Islamic world is celebrating Eid al-Fitr with bittersweet joy, Gül said, adding that another priority that was attracting the delicate work of Ankara was securing the release of 49 Turkish citizens kidnapped by jihadists in Iraq.
“Attacks targeting innocent people and disregarding their sacred right to life cause deep concerns and sorrow. What gives more pain is that Muslims kill each other,” he said. ...