Brussels
European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said Sunday she was still concerned about protests which broke out more than 2 weeks ago against a construction project at Gezi Park in central Istanbul's Taksim Square and spiralled into broader anti-government protests and rallies in many provinces across the country.
In a written statement, Ashton said she was deeply saddened by the deaths and many injuries that have occurred, adding, "I send my sympathies and condolences to all those who have been hurt or bereaved. It is essential that all violence stops and that all cases of excessive use of force by the police are recognized as such and investigated promptly, and that those responsible are held fully accountable.
"The continuing tensions underline the need for restraint on all sides and the importance of finding a quick solution based on dialogue, mutual respect, understanding and inclusiveness. Open and sustained engagement of the authorities is essential to reinforcing democracy, building confidence and avoiding escalation," she said.
Turkey's EU accession negotiations and commitment to the Copenhagen criteria provide the framework for ensuring full commitment to and guarantee of human rights and fundamental freedoms for the benefit of all citizens of the country, without discrimination, said Ashton.
"These include freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, belief and thought and freedom of the media, including the responsibility to exercise it actively. Social media must not come under arbitrary pressure. Any limitations should be strictly within the limits defined by the the European Convention of Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights," Ashton said.
Ashton said the EU was fully committed to reinforcing dialogue with Turkey on such important issues and to making further progress within Turkey's EU accession process.
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