ANKARA
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has called on Turkish labor unions and non-governmental organizations to celebrate the May 1 Labor Day peacefully as a festival and not resort to acts of violence.
His comments came on Thursday as the country prepares to celebrate the May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day, which was declared an official holiday by the Turkish Parliament in 2009.
Speaking as he met highway workers at the Ankara Arena Sports Hall, Davutoglu said: "I am calling on all my worker brothers; let's mark tomorrow with the atmosphere of a feast and wedding."
He also warned against "tricks" which could be played out by marginal groups and provocateurs, saying: "Let's not allow those who want to trigger chaos do so in the country before the elections."
"Together, we will not let those who seek to turn May 1 from a festival into a dark day of conflict just like in 1977, do so" he added.
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