Turkish PM calls on demonstrators to leave Istanbul's Gezi Park

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday called on protesters to leave Gezi Park in Istanbul, the epicenter of a nationwide demonstrations, saying that their message has been received. Erdogan said during a meeting with his party members that his government will let the courts decide the fate of the redevelopment project, which sparked the protests from May 31, adding that even if the courts side with the government, a city plebiscite on the plan will be held. On Wednesday, the prime minister proposed to hold a municipal referendum in Istanbul on Gezi Park, moderating his stance against protesters. He also called on the supporters of his ruling Justice and Development Party and other parties such as the Grand Unity Party and Felicity Party to rally in Ankara and Istanbul this weekend. The protests started more than two weeks ago when a group of environmentalists gathered in Gezi Park in Istanbul to protest against the government's plans to build a replica of Topcu Barracks over the park as part of a Taksim urban renewal project. Hundreds joined the group later after the police used pepper spray and teargas to disperse them. After that, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Istanbul and several provinces nationwide to show support for the demonstrators and protest against policies of Erdogan's government. The clashes between police and protesters across Turkey have killed at least five people, including a policeman, and injured some 5,000.