DAVOS, Switzerland
Turkey's deputy primer minister has told the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that recent developments in Turkey have been a test for democracy and the rule of law.
Speaking at a session titled 'New Steps for Emerging Economies,' Babacan said that last year's Gezi Park protests that eruped last May in the heart of Istanbul were an opportunity to advance Turkish democracy.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused protesters at the time of seeking to undemocratically topple the government.
Babacan also said that the European Union accession process is a strong endeavor for democracy, freedoms, norms and standards for the rule of law.
Turkey "will pass these tests successfully by increasing the standards of its democracy."
The 44th meeting of the World Economic Forum is bringing together 40 high-level political figures including presidents and prime ministers as well as an audience of 2,500 from the political and economical arena. Nearly 250 closed meetings take place during the forum.
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