May: We Want to See Human Rights Obligations Upheld in Turkey

* Photograph: Halil Sağırkaya / London / AA

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As part of his three-day visit to the UK, President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with the Prime Minister of the UK Theresa May in London yesterday (May 15). Erdoğan and May held a joint press conference after the meeting.

In her statement, Prime Minister May said that while it was right that the ones who attempted to overthrow a democratically elected government were brought to justice, "it is also important that in the defence of democracy, Turkey does not lose sight of the values it is seeking to defend."

May also added, "That is why today I have underlined to President Erdoğan that we want to see democratic values and international human rights obligations upheld."

* Photograph: Halil Sağırkaya / London / AA

Erdoğan: Your news sources are not correct

President Erdoğan also made a statement after Theresa May. In response to a question raised by a journalist about the arrested journalists in Turkey, Erdoğan said, "The information conveyed to you is very wrong."

Erdoğan also added, "Your news sources are not correct. You have to make a distinction between terrorists and journalists.

"Of course, the ones caught red-handed carrying weapons or stealing money from an ATM (automatic teller machine) are not free to do everything. Ou judiciary has given its ruling regarding the ones who have got involved in terrorism.

"You should learn about them from their source so that you can make sound news.

"I gave the necessary answer to a similar question raised at the Chatham House yesterday. But, apparently, my answer has not reached you." (PT/SD)