Gül criticizes leaders in Europe of ‘petty politics’

President Gül blames European leaders for leaning to far-right policies by engaging ‘petty politics.’ Gül also says it was risky but right decision to visit Armenian capital European leaders are guilty of engaging in "petty politics” by leaning toward the far right instead of finding new ways to fight the economic crisis, Turkish President Abdullah Gül said May 23 at Stanford University.

"A leader should not always seek the easy and well-worn path ahead. He or she should be ready to go a new direction and leave a trail behind,” said Gül in the conference, adding that the current situation in Europe is "a telling example of how the lack of visionary leadership could adversely affect the lives of millions.” "In recent months, we have witnessed in one after another election far-right parties gaining strength. And, even worse, their ideologies and views are more and more becoming part of the mainstream,” Gül was quoted as saying by the Presidency’s website, adding that this was an example of "petty-politics at its worst.” (...)