ANKARA
The leader of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) called on people to "strive against a dictator," referring to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at his party group meeting on Tuesday.
Kemal Kilicdaroglu said that if a politician wishes to govern the country, then he must always tell the truth regardless of the circumstances. However, he said that dictators have two main characteristics -- being a "coward" and a "liar," adding that a liar can neither a prime minister nor a president.
Addressing the anniversary of Gezi Park, Kilicdaroglu said that history changed in Turkey during the Gezi Park protests and emphasized that the youth are "our future and hope."
"They (protesters) resisted against oppression and cruelty. The protests disturbed the dictator," said Kilicdaroglu.
The Gezi Park protests began as a small environmental demonstration on May 31, 2013, and mushroomed into nationwide anti-government demonstrations. The protests erupted in May after the government moved to implement a redevelopment plan for nearby Taksim Square which reportedly included replacing part of Gezi Park with a mall.
"The Turkish police will prevent any unlawful demonstration to mark the anniversary of last year's Gezi Park protests," Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
"Our security forces have clear orders. What is necessary will be done from A to Z," he added.
Kilicdaroglu thanked Yalova residents for his party's leading success in the re-run municipal elections held Sunday.
The local elections in Turkey's 13 localities were held after the Supreme Election Board declared the results void in the March 30 local elections.
aa.com.tr/en
