World expresses concerns over clashes at Taksim Square in Istanbul
After a difficult night of harsh clashes between demonstrators and the police, the international community has expressed strong concern over incidents live broadcasted by CNN and Reuters for several hours.
The demonstrations had started in a peaceful manner but turned into clashes between police and protesters at dusk on Wednesday after police entered İstanbul’s Taksim Square using tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets. It was reported that some protesters had retaliated by throwing stones at security forces.
On the 16th day of protests in İstanbul, police fired volleys of tear gas canisters into a crowd of thousands — people in office clothes as well as youths in masks who had fought skirmishes throughout the day — scattering them into side streets and nearby hotels. Water cannon spray swept across the square targeting stone-throwers in masks.
Regarding the incidents The White House is reported to have stated late Tuesday that it was concerned by attempts in Turkey to punish individuals for exercising their right to free speech and called for dialogue to resolve differences between the government and protesters.
Spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said in a statement “We continue to follow events in Turkey with concern, and our interest remains in supporting freedom of expression and assembly, including the right to peaceful protest. We believe that Turkey’s long-term stability, security, and prosperity are best guaranteed by upholding the fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, association, and a free and independent media. Turkey is a close friend and ally of the United States, and we expect the Turkish authorities to uphold these fundamental freedoms”.
On the other hand, a strong reaction was received from the United Nations, which called for restraint and dialogue in demonstrations. UN spokesman Martin Nesirky noted that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is following the developments. He also added that Ban had appealed for calm and underlined the importance of addressing differences through dialogue in the Turkey protests. He went on to say “Protests should be peaceful and the right to assembly and the freedom of expression should be respected, as these are fundamental principles of a democratic state”.
Among groups making statements about Gezi Park events, was EP which discussed developments in Turkey and the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament expressed concerns about the disproportionate use of force by police in response to “peaceful and legitimate protests”. The group urged the Turkish government to investigate the police violence.
In the socialist group’s draft resolution, it was noted that Erdoğan seemed unwilling to take steps towards reconciliation and this approach only contributed to further polarization.
The group also suggested that the Turkish state offers compensation to the victims and urged Erdoğan to take a more conciliatory approach toward protestors to de-escalate the tension.
On the other hand, the group of European United Left and Nordic Green Left at the EP prepared a draft motion strongly condemning the state violence of the Turkish government against the demonstrators and the people of Turkey.
In some comments Gezi Park was described as “an excuse” that triggered a “popular uprising” in the country and the government was urged to re-examine its social political, cultural and economic policies.
12.06.2013
SOURCE: MEDIA
