Erdoğan slams EU for demanding changes to terror law

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has slammed Europe for demanding changes to Ankara's legislation on terrorism.

In his address at an event titled "National Will in Turkish Political History" in Ankara on Thursday, Erdoğan said: "Asking Turkey to revise its terror law means to give up on the cause" in ongoing talks with EU on visa-free travel.

"If the European Union wants to address a terrorist group [the PKK] instead of the Republic of Turkey, we are OK with it. Because we look at the ones who defend causes of terrorist groups the same way we look at terrorist groups."

Turkish President Erdoğan who also touched upon Turkey's fight against Daesh terrorist organization said European countries left Turkey alone in its fight against the terrorist organization.

"The parties which have been attempting to take Turkey off its counterterrorism efforts are obviously take the side of terrorism," Erdoğan said.

"So far, Turkey has killed 1300 Daesh members, banned 48,600 people from entering the country, deported more than 3,500 people and arrested 1,507 people since 2011," Erdoğan said.

"Turkey has almost 1300 kilometers of border with Iraq and Syria which is longer than several European countries. Under this circumstance, while we can talk about such a big troubled area, no one can stop Turkey fighting against terrorism," he added.

Erdoğan also said that the ongoing attacks targeting Kilis will be a criteria measuring the sincerity of the European parties on their approach to Daesh terrorist.

"We do not care about the parties which don't care about the attacks targeting Kilis or Aleppo," said Erdoğan.

Turkish President Erdoğan expressed his sadness over the execution of Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami group leader, Motiur Rahman Nizami.

"I am affected that such an incident occurred in a Muslim-majority country. I believe that Nizami was innocent and didn't deserve such punishment," Erdoğan said in his speech at the “National Will in Turkish Political History" held in the Turkish capital, Ankara.

Erdoğan also said Turkey has recalled Turkey's Dhaka ambassador over this incident.

Turkish President said United Nations Security Council is unable to provide justice because of the lack of a Muslim permanent member in its structure.

"All five members of the UN Security Council are Christian countries, only representing three continents, Europe, America and Asia. In the current situation more than 1.7 billion Muslims are not represented by the UNSC. That's why I say that the world is bigger than five," Erdoğan said.

The Turkish President also added that this formation should be addressed immediately.

Turkish President also criticized main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu for his words equating carrying out work for a new constitution that includes a presidential system with civil war.

"This person who said the new system cannot be realized without shedding blood has betrayed the will of the public and the assembly," said Erdoğan, harshly criticizing Kılıçdaroğlu for his remarks.

An investigation was also opened concerning the words of CHP leader by Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor.