Istanbul is preparing for more violent scenes after protesters were warned they would be removed from Taksim Square within 24 hours.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued the warning today following two weeks of violent confrontations.
It comes after the European Parliament issued a resolution condemning the excessive use of force by Turkish riot police against demonstrators.
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Stand-off: Activists stand on a barricade at the entrance of Gezi Park in Istanbul today following an ultimatum by the Turkish Prime Minister Warning: The European Parliament has issued a resolution condemning the excessive use of force by Turkish riot police against demonstrators. This activist stands on a barricade at the entrance of Gezi ParkTroubling: This bus stop shows signs of damage following recent violent scenes in Istanbul
Ratcheting up his defiant tone, Prime Minister Erdogan appears determined to end the protests that have put an unflattering international spotlight on his Islamic-rooted government and its handling of the biggest street unrest of his 10-year tenure.
Erdogan's comments came a day after his Justice and Development party proposed a referendum over a development plan at Taksim Square that has fanned the protests.
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Police have repeatedly fired water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters; five people have died and over 5,000 have been injured.
The government says 600 police were injured as well.
'This square belongs to the people of Istanbul, the people of the whole country, and to all international visitors. So we cannot allow troublemakers to hang around freely in this square,' Erdogan said.
Warning: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan today told protestors they will be removed from Taksim Square within 24 hours. Activists are pictured standing on top of their barricade overlooking Taksim Square yesterday Anger: Protestors light flares as they gather for an anti-government rally at the entrance of Gezi Park at Taksim Square last night