UN leader Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday called on Turkey to show "maximum restraint" in its showdown with opposition demonstrators and expressed concern about the widespread clashes. Ban "remains concerned about ongoing clashes between protesters and security personnel. He is saddened by the deaths and injuries that have occurred," said deputy UN spokesman Eduardo del Buey.
"The secretary general urges maximum restraint and the pursuit of constructive dialogue in order to resolve differences and avoid further violent confrontation," added del Buey. "He believes that stability is best assured through such dialogue and when the rights to peaceful assembly and the freedom of expression are fully respected."