"'Secularism is strong in Turkey'
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Attending a luncheon in Davos, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in response to questions: �It's a mistake to regard Turkey as a country that doesn't separate religion from civil affairs. Those who want to understand Turkey must eliminate their prejudices.�
Explaining his personal understanding of religion, Erdogan said that he, as a political leader, is not in a state of uncertainty. �I am trying to be a devout person, and we should fear only extremism, not devout persons.�
He also said that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has adopted the secular principles enumerated in the 1982 Turkish Constitution."
Turkish Daily News