Google – AFP, Pirate Irwin (AFP), 25 June 2013
A Turkish
anti-goverment protester flashes a victory sign during clashes
with riot police
in Istanbul, on June 22, 2013 (AFP/File, Ozan Kose)
|
PARIS — The
head of Istanbul's bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games on Tuesday said he was
proud of the young protesters who have flooded the streets of Turkish cities in
recent weeks and did not think the demonstrations would harm the city's chances
of hosting the event.
Turkey has
taken a tough stance against the tens of thousands of demonstrators who have
been protesting since May 31 against the government, which has been seen as
increasingly authoritarian and conservative.
The
protests, which have left at least four people dead and nearly 8,000 injured,
have infuriated Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with the heavy-handed
government response earning Ankara criticism and raising tensions notably with
Germany.
Hasan Arat
(left) and Kadir Topbas at the IOC
headquarters in Lausanne, on January 7, 2013
(AFP, Sebastien Feval)
|
"What
I believe about the protest situation is that they are now largely peaceful,
the violence has subsided," Arat, a former top level basketball player
turned successful businessman, told reporters on a conference call.
"Turkey's
youth is exercising its democratic rights to stage peaceful protests."
Arat was
speaking after a generally positive report had been released by the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission on Istanbul's
ability to host the Games.
He added
that it was important for the youth of Turkey to express their disagreements
with the authorities.
"I am
actually very proud of young people standing up for their beliefs," he
said.
"I
don't think it will continue for a long time because the message has been very
well received and that is very good.
"There
have been some pictures which would have been better not to have been seen but
they happened."
Turkish
protesters flee as riot police deploy
a water cannon during clashes in
Istanbul, on June 22, 2013 (AFP/File,
Bulent Kilic)
|
"We
look forward to a better Turkey, to better understanding and better
democracy," he said.
"These
people (the protesters) care about their country and stand up for their
beliefs."
Despite the
protests, Arat said he had noticed any concern within the IOC and said he was
confident going into the final run-in to the vote in Buenos Aires on September
7 where the 100 IOC members will decided where to award the Games.
Istanbul is
up against Tokyo and Madrid.
"I
think this report shows we are really on track. I feel confident for our bid
for the next 75 days," he added.
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