-
ANKARA - ``There are circles that want to overshadow Nevruz Festival celebrated in 81 Turkish cities and in 8 countries,`` said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.
Taking the floor at a group meeting of his Justice & Development Party (AKP) in Ankara, Erdogan said, ``these circles exploit our spring festival to speculate new clashes and disputes. Intentions and identities of provocateurs became unraveled. Turkey left those days behind.``
``Those provocateurs aim to turn Nevruz festival into an atmosphere of social tension. In Nevruz Festival, we will refresh ties of friendship, unity and solidarity,`` noted Erdogan.
``I request my nation not to allow those people who want to sow discord among our hearts,`` indicated Erdogan.
Nevruz, the World`s oldest festival which is celebrated by festivities under various names in many communities on March 21st, is being celebrated in the Turkish World as ``the exit of Turks from Ergenekon`` and ``the beginning of the new year in Turkish calendar with 12 zodiac divisions represented by animals`` since 5000 years.
