Turkish riot police use tear gas against protestors in Istiklal Street during a protest against the demolition of Gezi Park in Istanbul on June 1, 2013.<\/p>\n
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zohbi says Turkey\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is \u00c5\u201cterrorizing” his own people, calling on the premier to resign his post.\n<\/p>\n
“Erdogan is leading his country in a terrorist way, destroying the civilization and achievements of the Turkish people,” the Syrian information minister said on Saturday.\n<\/p>\n
The remarks came after police forces clashed with crowds of anti-government protesters in the Turkish city of Istanbul\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s iconic Taksim Square, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.\n<\/p>\n
Thousands of people also took to the streets in other cities, including the capital Ankara, Izmir, Mugla, and Antalya in support of the protesters in Istanbul.\n<\/p>\n
The demonstrators also called on Erdogan to step down as prime minister.\n<\/p>\n
“The fact that he suppresses peaceful demonstrations proves that Erdogan is disconnected from reality,” Zohbi added, calling on the Turkish premier to step down.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The anti-government protests started out as demonstrations against Ankara’s plans to demolish a popular park and build a shopping center.<\/p>\n
The protesters say Gezi Park, which is a traditional gathering point for rallies and protests as well as a popular tourist destination, is the city’s last public green space.\n<\/p>\n
“We wish the Turkish people only stability and calm, and urge that Erdogan act wisely and not treat the Turks the way he has treated the Syrians,” the Syrian minister concluded.\n<\/p>\n
Turkey has been among the harshest critics of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and has supported the foreign-backed militants fighting to topple his government.\n<\/p>\n
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