European Parliament calls on Turkey to avoid harsh measuresJune 13, 2013 - 18:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Parliament on Thursday, June 23 urged the Turkish government not to use harsh measures against peaceful protesters and appealed to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to take a conciliatory stance, Reuters reported. Turkey has been rocked for the past two weeks by anti-government demonstrations centered on Istanbul's Taksim Square. Police have frequently used tear gas and water cannon to break up protests. Three people - one a policeman - have been killed and about 5,000 injured. In a resolution adopted in Strasbourg, the European Parliament expressed its deep concern at what it called "the disproportionate and excessive use of force by Turkish police to break up peaceful and legitimate protests". It urged the Turkish authorities to respect the rights of all citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful protest. The resolution deplored the "harsh reactions" from the Turkish government and Erdogan, although it praised what it called the "moderate response" of President Abdullah Gul. The lawmakers also said they believed the protests reflected a growing discontent over the stifling of opposition voices and at government efforts to impose more conservative restrictions on lifestyles, such as tighter regulations on alcohol sales. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |