Clashes in Istanbul as Turkish PM says he won't yield
- 11 years ago
A defiant tone from the Turkish Prime Minister and his ruling party.
Tayyip Erdogan told political supporters in Ankara Tuesday the nationwide protests against his government were engineered by vandals and terrorist elements.
(SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) TURKISH PRIME MINISTER, TAYYIP ERDOGAN, SAYING:
"The efforts to distort Turkey's image have been put into place with a systematic plan. Turkey's power and reputation have been targeted during this process."
Meanwhile in central Istanbul, another day of clashes between police and protesters.
Riot police briefly tried to regain control of Taksim Square, the epicenter of anti-government protests that's left three people killed and 5,000 injured.
In Ankara, Erdogan warned his patience is running out.
(SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) TURKISH PRIME MINISTER, TAYYIP ERDOGAN, SAYING:
"I urge the young people, who I believe are there with sincere feelings, to put an end to this protest and I call on those who insis
Tayyip Erdogan told political supporters in Ankara Tuesday the nationwide protests against his government were engineered by vandals and terrorist elements.
(SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) TURKISH PRIME MINISTER, TAYYIP ERDOGAN, SAYING:
"The efforts to distort Turkey's image have been put into place with a systematic plan. Turkey's power and reputation have been targeted during this process."
Meanwhile in central Istanbul, another day of clashes between police and protesters.
Riot police briefly tried to regain control of Taksim Square, the epicenter of anti-government protests that's left three people killed and 5,000 injured.
In Ankara, Erdogan warned his patience is running out.
(SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) TURKISH PRIME MINISTER, TAYYIP ERDOGAN, SAYING:
"I urge the young people, who I believe are there with sincere feelings, to put an end to this protest and I call on those who insis