Ankara
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday Gezi Park protests that started in Istanbul's city center and led to demonstrations across the country were organized with domestic and foreign ties.
"Leaving aside those who participated in the demonstrations with good intentions upon a call of gathering on social networks, there were also extremists involved," Erdogan said, before departing for a two-day official tour where he will visit Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. "Gezi Park protests mean an organized step with domestic and foreign ties."
With regard to the protests being likened to a series of revolts across the Middle East and North Africa known as the "Arab Spring", Erdogan said a Turkish spring was underway, but was of a different nature.
"Those who say a Turkish spring is going on are right. We are already experiencing a Turkish spring, but some people are trying to turn it into winter. They will not succeed."
"Police acted with restraint"
Erdogan dismissed the allegations that the police used inordinate force, saying the number of police officers injured was an indication the use of force was moderate.
"Hundred and sixty police officers sustained injuries; sixty people from civilians and assailants were also injured," Erdogan said. "For what reason did the police suffer so many injuries? It is because they acted with restraint."
