Turkish intelligence looking into 'foreign links' to Taksim protests: PM

ISTANBUL- Hürriyet Daily News

The country is already experiencing a 'Turkish Spring' that will not become a winter, Erdoğan says. AA photo

Turkish intelligence is looking into possible links between the incidents in Taksim Square and foreign powers, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said at a press conference today before leaving for Morocco, accusing internal and foreign actors of supporting the Gezi Park protests.

“Our intelligence work is ongoing [to determine the foreign actors behind the protests]. It is not possible to reveal their names. But we will have meetings with their heads,” said Erdoğan.

Turkey mild against protesters: Erdoğan

“Those who advise us to be moderate must themselves first come to moderation,” he said, referring to the international reactions to the use of force against protests that have erupted in all corners of the country.

Erdoğan claimed 160 police officers and 60 citizens were injured yesterday, saying the high number of injured police officers was a proof that it was acting moderately.

“There is 50 percent of [the country who voted for the ruling Justice and Development Party - AKP], and we can barely keep them at home [and prevent them from coming onto the streets for counter-protests]. But we have called on them to calm down,” the prime minister also said.

“If necessary we will square accounts with them. We are determined in this and there are some visible evidences,” said Erdoğan.

The country is already experiencing a “Turkish Spring” and will not give way to those who want to turn it into a winter, Erdoğan said, referring to the economic development that has benefited some during his rule.

Per capita income has reached $10,500 during the ruling party’s tenure, he said, adding that this had made some “jealous.”