Biden urges Turkey's government to respcet protesters’ rightsJune 5, 2013 - 09:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Vice President Joe Biden urged Turkey's government on Tuesday, June 4 to respect the rights of its political opponents after a violent crackdown against anti-government protesters raised concerns about the NATO ally, Reuters reported. Turkey's deputy prime minister, Bulent Arinc, issued an apology to people involved in a protest last week when a group demonstrating against plans to build at an Istanbul park was met with teargas and water cannons. That protest then grew into the biggest and most violent anti-government demonstration in years as Turks complaining of what they say is Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's authoritarian style took to the streets in dozens of cities. Biden, speaking to the American-Turkish Council, said Turkey stood a chance to reach its goal of becoming one of the world's 10 largest economies by 2023, but that it should not stray from democracy. "Turkey's future belongs to the people of Turkey and no one else. But the United States does not pretend to be indifferent to the outcome," Biden said. Countries with open societies, political systems and economies, democratic institutions and a firm commitment to universal human rights are the countries that will thrive and be the most powerful countries of the 21st century, he said. "Today's Turkey has a chance to demonstrate that there's no need to choose between economic advancement and democracy, the system that empowers the winners of elections and yet protects those who are in the opposition," said Biden. Secretary of State John Kerry, who said on Monday he was concerned by reports of excessive police force, spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu en route to an Organization of American States meeting in Guatemala, a State Department official said on Tuesday. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |