Erdogan comes down hard on certain types of nationalism

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacted yesterday to recent public events perceived to have been influenced by feelings of extreme nationalism, saying "I am a nationalist also, but not as far as ethnic, regional, or religious issues are concerned." We will not be deterred Chiding an unnamed member of the nationalistic MHP party in Parliament yesterday, Erdogan said "Let's leave off these old, tired antics. We don't even have a minute for those people who are trying to bring back to daily life those subjects which were in the headlines and fought over for years before....We will listen with eager ears to all serious words and warnings said within the framework of democracy...but we will know not to be deterred or frightened off by the voices which deafen us with their empty noise and tumult."  Leaving the AKP Parliamentary group yesterday, Erdogan commented on CHP criticism of the government on the subject of the EU. Said Erdogan, "CHP's trying to make it look as though ties are broken with the EU is wrong. We are all aiming at the same goals. Doesn't the CHP support the EU? We are doing whatever is necessary for the good of this country."  Shouting from the sidelines not helpful Regarding Turkey's possible EU entrance, Erdogan said further, "We have a calendar in front of us. There is no particular problem as of right now regarding official talks we are having with the EU. It is not appropriate (for the CHP) to behave as though there are problems when there aren't any. If there are things to be done, they should be approached not by waving and shouting from the sidelines, but all together."  Voices outside of Turkey In a reference to anti-Turkish voices outside of Turkey, Erdogan said significantly, "In some EU member countries, there are negative voices being given space in public forums. These voices should not disturb our focus....Turkey's record is clean."Â