We will continue this project: Erdogan

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan has laid the blame on a “terrorist organization” and foreign suspects for anti-government demonstrations that continue to rock his country.

Speaking to reporters in Tunis on the last leg of his North Africa tour on Thursday, Erdogan said seven foreigners have been arrested in connection with the week-long protest rallies. However, He did not specify the nationalities of the detainees.

“Seven foreigners have been implicated in the unrest, six of whom have appeared before the public prosecutor and one of whom is under arrest,” Erdogan stated.

“An inquiry is taking place to determine the manner in which they took part in the violence,” he said.

Erdogan, however, refused to back down on the implementation of a controversial Istanbul development plan that has triggered anti-government demonstrations.

“We will go through with this project which respects Turkey’s history, culture and environment,” he noted.

“What we are doing is to protect the rights of the majority and to preserve the beauty of Istanbul,” Erdogan said.

Since Friday, tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrations have been held in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Mugla, Antalya, and many other cities and towns.

The death toll from the protests has risen to five following the death of a police officer. Officials say he died after falling into an underpass while trying to break up a protest in the southern city of Adana.

Turkish Human Rights Foundation says some 4,300 people have been hurt or sought medical care for the effects of tear gas inhalation. The Turkish government says dozens of police officers have been injured.

The anti-government unrest began after police broke up a sit-in staged in Taksim Square on May 31 to protest against the demolition of Gezi Park.

The protesters say the park, which is a traditional gathering point for rallies and demonstrations as well as a popular tourist destination, is the city’s last green public space.

Amnesty International has censured the Turkish police for the tactics they have used to control the protests.