UPDATE - Erdogan issues message for Eid al-Fitr

UPDATES WITH MESSAGES FROM TURKISH PM AND ARMY CHIEF

By Sibel Ugurlu

ANKARA (AA) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday issued a message ahead of Eid al-Fitr, saying Turkey's upcoming presidential elections would "guarantee" democracy.

In his message on the eve of the Muslim festival, Erdogan recalled "the democratic and economic strides" that Turkey has made over the past 16 years, during the rule of his Justice and Development (AK) Party.

He hailed the new presidential system, saying it would benefit the Turkish nation and people.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim in his Eid message said the presidential system will “initiate a new term in the Turkish political history”.

Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar in his message said that Turkish soldiers are on duty.

Ali Erbas, head of Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate, extended Eid greetings and prayers for peace and happiness around the world.

Erbas said religious days like Eid al-Fitr "maintain and strengthen unity, solidarity, and fraternity".