Israel Matzav

'A few looters' provoked by the secular opposition?

As violent protests in Turkey went on for another day, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan referred to the protesters as 'a few looters' and said that they were being incited by Turkey's secular opposition party.

Erdogan singled out the Republican People's Party (CHP) - set up in 1924 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who founded Turkey's modern secular state - for attack over a dispute he described as ideological.

"We think that the main opposition party which is making resistance calls on every street is provoking these protests," Erdogan said on Turkish television.

Turkey's fiercest anti-government unrest for years erupted when trees were torn down at a park in Taksim Square under government plans to construct a new mosque and rebuild a replica Ottoman-era barracks.

"This reaction is no longer about the ripping out 12 trees. This is based on ideology," said Erdogan, whose conservative vision for the nation has angered more liberal Turks. Referring to the planned mosque, he added: "Obviously I will not ask for permission for this from the head of CHP or a few looters."

Tens of thousands gathered on Sunday after a calmer night in Taksim Square, which saw two days of clashes between protesters and riot police backed by armored vehicles and helicopters.
The atmosphere was more festive with some chanting for Erdogan to resign and others singing and dancing. There was little obvious police presence.

In Ankara's downtown Kizilay district, however, police used tear gas after a few thousand people chanted anti-government slogans and blocked traffic.

On Sunday rain appeared to keep the crowds away from Taksim Square initially, but this did not dampen the spirit of the protesters whose numbers later swelled.

"We will stay until the end," said Akin, who works in motor trade and has been in Taksim for the past four days. "We are not leaving. The only answer now is for this government to fall. We are tired of this oppressive government constantly putting pressure on us."

I wonder if the Turkish opposition would be a bit less hostile to Israel than Erdogan is. 

Labels: Istanbul, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:36 PM