Turkish Deputy PM apologizes to injured protestersJune 4, 2013 - 17:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey's Deputy PM Bulent Arinc has apologized to protesters injured in demonstrations opposing the demolition of an Istanbul park, BBC News reported. The original protests over the redevelopment of Gezi Park were "just and legitimate", he said, offering to meet the organizers. He called for the protests to end, saying they had been taken over by "terrorist elements". The protests have escalated into five days of unrest in cities across Turkey. "The use of excessive force shown against the people who initially started this protest with the motive of protecting the environment was wrong. And it was unfair. So I apologize to those citizens," Arinc said at a news conference in Ankara. However, he added: "I do not think we need to apologize to those who create destruction of public property in the streets and who try to prevent the freedom of the people in the streets." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |