'Highest democratic standards and practices should be targeted'

"Before speaking about our common future, which is the topic of this conference, we cannot ignore the present. It is difficult not to mention events that have been taking place since over a week only a few hundred meters from where we convene today," Fule told the opening ceremony of "EU Istanbul Conference" organized by Turkey’s EU Affairs Ministry.

Fule was referring to demonstrations that broke out when a small number of people standing up against a construction project at Gezi Park at Istanbul's Taksim Square spiraled into broader anti-government protests and rallies in many provinces, including the capital Ankara and Izmir, the third largest in Turkey. 

"The duty of all of us, European Union Members as much as those countries that wish to become one, is to aspire to the highest possible democratic standards and practices. These include the freedom to express one's opinion, the freedom to assemble peacefully and freedom of media to report on what is happening as it is happening," Fule said.

Fule said society's demands and expectations must be taken into consideration in democracies adding, "Best practices include close attention to the needs and expectations of society, including that of groups that don't feel represented by the Parliamentary majority. Peaceful demonstrations constitute a legitimate way for these groups to express their views in a democratic society. Excessive use of force by police against these demonstrations has no place in such a democracy."

Fule criticized the heavy use of tear and excessive force saying, "What is important now, is not only to launch swift and transparent investigation but also to bring those responsible to account."

Addressing Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Fule said "The countless efforts you have been displaying to put an end to terrorist violence, which was a poison for your country, to bring peace and prosperity to the Southeast of Turkey and to address the Kurdish issue, are starting to bear fruit. This demonstrates the virtues of patience, dialogue and engagement. These same virtues should prevail vis-à-vis developments here in Istanbul and elsewhere in Turkey."

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico also delivered a speech at the conference. Fico expressed optimism for Turkey's EU membership saying, " When Turkey enters the EU, obstacles will be removed before Turkey and the EU. It is very important to have peace and democracy both in Europe, in Turkey and the world." 

There are strong economic ties between the EU and Turkey, Fico said, adding that 50 percent of Turkey's foreign trade was made with the EU.

Fico said Turkey achieved the highest growth rate in Europe in 2012 according to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and a driving force for the Union.