Government wants 'same level of welfare' across Turkey

ERZINCAN, Turkey

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said the main goal of his government was to ensure "same level of welfare" in all parts of Turkey

Yildirim promised security and stability for everyone across the country during his address to business and nongovernmental organization representatives in eastern Erzincan province on Friday.

"Istanbul will be the same as Erzincan, Hakkari, and Sinop [in terms of safety and prosperity]," he said, adding that if it is achieved, "terror cannot take any benefit".

"We have been bitterly fighting against every type of terrorist organizations in recent years," the premier said, underlining the lack of authority and civil wars in Syria and Iraq as well as the existence of terrorist groups in the region.

He once again reiterated Turkey's "determined fight" against terrorism "until no terrorist is left on this land".

Calling on the business community to invest more in eastern and southeastern provinces, Yildirim said new economic incentives would be shared in the coming weeks.

A special program will be followed in 23 provinces, he said, adding: "Our aim is to accelerate the investment which was set back due to terror and to close the gap between the developed provinces [and those terror-hit ones]."

Southeastern Turkey has seen numerous terror attacks by the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU and U.S.

In its over three-decade terror campaign against Turkey, more than 40,000 people have been killed.

The terrorist organization resumed its armed campaign in July 2015. Since then, it has killed more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians, including women and children.

Reporting by Sinan Uslu and Kemal Ozdemir; Writing by Ayse Humeyra Atilgan