Ban on Twitter is worrying, British ambassador says

ANKARA – Hürriyet Daily News

British Ambassador Richard Moore said that recent developments in Turkey were worrying situations. AA Photo

The British ambassador to Turkey has expressed concern over the Turkish government’s decision to block access to Twitter, saying it is a part of freedom of expression.

“Recent developments in Turkey, for instance, blocking access to Twitter, are worrying situations. I hope it won’t last long,” British Ambassador Richard Moore said addressing a reception late March 25.

“Freedom of expression is a democratic right. Everybody should be able to freely express their views,” he noted.

The ambassador’s latest remarks come after his comments appreciating the changes in Turkey, where he observed great differences during his previous post in the country many years ago.

“Turkey was far from the standards expected from a country which is a candidate to EU membership. After 20 years, I see that Turkey has taken great steps,” the ambassador stated.

It was impossible to think that day will come when Kurdish people would freely speak their mother tongue, he said.

“Similarly, it was impossible to think that women with the headscarf would be able to apply to work in public service,” Moore noted.

“However, we all agree there are many wounds that should be healed,” the ambassador said, citing the Twitter ban in Turkey.

The British embassy was the first foreign country which expressed concern regarding Turkey’s Telecommunications Directorate's (TİB) decision to ban the use of Twitter in Turkey.