WASHINGTON
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay has said there was no "exaggerated perception" about the Gezi Park incidents at White House or departments.
In an official visit in the United States, Atalay met with United States Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counter Terrorism Lisa Monaco.
Atalay said he hoped the protests would end soon and added that "We feel upset for Turkey's tarnished image in the international arena. Turkey does not deserve it."
Upon a question about the Gezi perception in the US, "There is no 'exaggerated perception' about the Gezi Park incidents at White House or departments.They have also perceived the difference of Turkey. However, there is too much disinformation caused by the international media. It is really irritating that the international media has reflected the protests as a chain of the Arab Spring. Turkey is a democratic state."
- US arms aid decision to the Syrian opposition
Atalay also touched on the US arms aid decision to revolutionary forces in Syria.
"Turkey has a big influence on the decision of US," Atalay said and added:
"We hope that this decision will not remain unfulfilled and US will be involved more efficiently. Because this decision has created a bit of hope for the solution for Syria crisis."
Pointing out that the meeting on the Middle East was very productive, Atalay added, "Both of the bilateral and official meetings in US have been very efficient indeed in those days."
