Turkish official says government respects protests

A close ally of Turkey's prime minister said Tuesday that his government respects the right to non-violent protest and free speech, but that it must also protect its citizens against violence.

At an event in Washington with US Vice President Joe Biden, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan said "We should be very careful when we evaluate the recent ongoing events in Turkey. There is a need for a strict distinction between the terrorist groups or illegal organizations versus citizens who are purely protesting on a non-violent basis." (AP)