From Sinem Cengiz, Today’s Zaman:  ‘Turkish protests do not have direct impact on NATO alliance’

NATO officials also had comments about the ongoing Gezi Park demonstrations, which began at the end of last month in Turkey in protest of government plans for the redevelopment of a park in İstanbul’s Taksim Square, when asked their view.

It seems NATO officials are uneasy about the protests, but they underlined that the protests do not have a direct impact on alliance relations. A senior NATO official has stated that Turkish authorities should recognize the demands of the people.

“It seems like [Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan’s leadership is still not absorbing the calls of the protesters. We hope Erdoğan recognizes the prosperity Turkey has enjoyed with this leadership. Leadership should have a relationship with the people. We hope the protests would stay peaceful,” said the official.  (photo: AFP)

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