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Erdogan hints at nuclear ambitions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed interest in acquiring nuclear weapons, and while international treaties would make the feat difficult to accomplish, his rhetoric implies shifting global ambitions.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses his supporters during a ceremony marking the third anniversary of the attempted coup at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, July 15, 2019. REUTERS/Murad Sezer - RC191F892920
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses supporters during a ceremony marking the third anniversary of the attempted coup at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, July 15, 2019. — REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Speaking on the 100th anniversary of the Sivas Congress, which laid the groundwork for Turkey’s independence, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it was unacceptable for nuclear-armed countries to prevent Ankara from developing nuclear weapons.

“Several countries have missiles with nuclear warheads, not one or two. But we can’t have them. This I cannot accept,” Erdogan told an audience of his supporters including Justice and Development Party members late Wednesday evening.

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