The images we are seeing of Taksim Square are disturbing.
In responding to the protests as it has done so far, the Turkish Government is sending the wrong message to its own country and to Europe. Freedom of association and freedom of expression are inalienable fundamental rights in any democracy. The Government in Ankara must do everything in its power to ensure that its citizens can exercise those rights.
We expect Prime Minister Erdoğan to ease tensions and bring about constructive discussion and peaceful dialogue, in the spirit of European values.