MADRID (AA) - European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said on Thursday "It's time to cooperate with Turkey, not leaving it alone," regarding the ongoing international row over Taksim Gezi Park incidents in Turkey.
Ashton gave a keynote speech at the conference "Forum Europa" organized by Nueva Economia Forum, following her meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy Brey and Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation José Manuel Garcia in the Spanish capital Madrid, where she holds official talks.
As she answered questions on Taksim Gezi Park protests in Turkey and the ongoing claims and disputes both in Turkey and in the international area, Ashton called on the international community to help Turkey handle the situation.
Stressing that the EU sides with human rights, freedom of expression and demonstration, Ashton urged Turkey to fulfil its obligations to find and judge the perpetrators through a well-conducted investigation.
"I made a phone conversation with the Turkish foreign minister and told him that the police's handling of Taksim protests worries me. The images of police using tear gas and displaying inappropriate manners towards protesters are really uneasy. We know there are several people wounded, some blinded and three deaths. However most of the protests were peaceful," she stated.
She underlined that Turkey should remain as a part of the EU , saying "We must continue our dialogue with Turkey particularly on issues regarding law state and human rights. It's time to cooperate with Turkey, not leaving it alone."
Ashton pointed out their utmost efforts as the EU for contributing to the peace process in the Middle East, reminding her upcoming visit to Israel to have talks with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in this context.
Touching upon the civil war in Syria, Ashton noted that the EU is working towards a political solution in Syria.
She also expressed her appreciation of Arab women's and youth's growing social role, "Arab Spring has shifted the world dynamics, bringing hope to the region. There will certainly be a political solution in Syria. Geneva II Conference is of great importance at this phase."
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Garcia Margallo also highlighted the valid ground to EU's close cooperation with Turkey.
