"Islamist terror" expression gravely sadden us as Muslims

ANKARA - President Erdoğan reacted to the 'Islamist terror' statement of Chancellor Merkel of German, saying, “The ‘Islamist terror’ expression gravely saddens us as Muslims. Such an expression cannot be used; it is not right because Islam and terror don’t go side by side. Islam literally means peace.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accepted Chancellor Angela Merkel of German in the Presidency Complex. On acceptance, President Erdoğan on Merkel's use of 'Islamic terror' expression, said "‘Islamist terror’ expression gravely saddens us as Muslims. Such an expression cannot be used; it is not right because Islam and terror don’t go side by side. Islam literally means peace.”

"It would be sad if we use Islamist terror"

Objecting to his guest’s use of ‘Islamist terror’ expression, President Erdoğan said: “The ‘Islamist terror’ expression gravely saddens us as Muslims. Such an expression cannot be used; it is not right because Islam and terror don’t go side by side. Islam literally means peace, it cannot be associated with terror. Therefore, mentioning it side by side terror saddens adherents of this religion. If we say ‘Islamist terror’ because of terrorist DAESH, this saddens us. Therefore, please let us not use this expression because we have to stand against whenever it is used. Our silence in the face of this expression equals to accepting it. As a Muslim, as a Muslim President, I cannot consent to this. We are second to no country in terms of anti-DAESH fight. While everybody is paying lip service, we are fighting, and so will continue, against DAESH determinedly.”

President Erdoğan said that regarding the members of FETO who took refuge in Germany, he said: "Likewise, FETO is no different from PKK, PYD or YPG. We have sent 85 boxes of documents and evidence to the US, as well, but still the court’s decision is being waited. We are two friendly and allied nations, working together under the NATO. I believe that we should obtain results without further delaying because justice delayed is justice denied.”

"There is a difference between Islam and Islamist"

Chancellor Merkel, for her part, underlined the importance Germany attaches to the freedom of religion as a necessity of democracy, and continued: “We are making every effort in our power in order to enable Muslims in Germany to live their faith freely. And Islamic associations in Germany have stood against every kind of terror. Thus, there is a difference between the terms of ‘Islamic’ and ‘Islamist.’ I am of the belief that our people greatly appreciate Muslims and we need to join forces against this terror.” (ILKHA)