European commission praises Turkish PM Erdoğan's new stance on Gezi Park

ISTANBUL

European Comissioner Stefan Füle has welcomed the recent ‘constructive’ signals coming from Turkey. AFP photo

The European Union has welcomed today the Turkish government’s commitment to suspend the redevelopment plans for Gezi Park, after late night talks with representatives of the Gezi Park protesters.

“We welcome the number of constructive and positive signals coming from Turkey over the past 24 hours, including the further meeting of Prime Minister Erdoğan with representatives of civil society,” EU Commissioner Stefen Füle’s Spokesperson Peter Stano said in a statement.

“We have seen a clear commitment to suspend the construction plans for Gezi Park while the appeals court decides on the case,” he added. Stano also welcomed the announced investigations into the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters.
 
The statement came after days of heated exchanges between Ankara and Brussels over the repression of the protests across Turkey.