Ankara
Turkey’s EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said on Wednesday that some demonstrators across Turkey to protests the demolititon of Taksim Gezi Park were being exploited by terrorists and vandalism, others were legitimate.
Bagis told BBC that Turkey would have elections in nine months time, adding, “We will listen to the voice of electors. If people think that this government ought to step out, they should address this question in the ballot box.”
When asked about Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was accused of acting in an autocratic manner, as he said he knew what was best for the country and did not listen to the one half of the population which did not vote for him; Bagis defended Erdogan saying, “He does listen to them and he is the Prime Minister of all of Turkey."
Demonstrations initially began as a sit-in protest at Taksim Gezi Park against the plans to redevelop the park, but then turned into clashes after the police had fired tear gas and used water cannon. More than 900 people have been detained since the protests sparked nine days ago.
