European Parliament approves resolution on Gezi Park

A non-binding resolution on the handling of Gezi Park protests was approved by a majority vote by the European Parliament (EP) on Thursday. The EP resolution urged Turkey to consult with the public over issues related to city and urban development plans. Moderate approaches of President Abdullah Gul and Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc during protests and their apology were welcomed by the EP. Calling Turkey to balance economic development with social, environmental, cultural and historical concerns, the resolution asked the country to hold environmental impact assessment reports in all projects. The resolution also expressed concern over "the disproportionate and excessive use of force" by police in Gezi Park incidents and urged Erdogan to assume "a unifying and conciliatory position" over the issues in Turkey. The resolution also called on Turkey to strengthen democratic institutes, rule of law and fundamental freedoms as well as the priority of individual rights, and the continuous training of police officers and judicial authorities on adhering to the international standards and struggling against torture and maltreatment.