Ruling AKP to hold two mass rallies in Istanbul and Ankara next week

ISTANBUL

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's return from North Africa early June 7 was converted into an unscheduled rally at Istanbul's airport by his supporters. AFP photo

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has decided June 8 to hold two mass rallies as a response to the protests that spread all across the country over the demolition of Gezi Park at the heart of Istanbul. Following a meeting of the party’s Central Decision and Executive Council (MKYK) in Istanbul June 8, two “unity and solidarity” rallies have been scheduled next week.

A rally in Ankara will be hold on June 15, and another one in Istanbul will take place on June 16.  The party executives, including Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan who have reportedly discussed extensively about the events that led the protests to grow, aim to call for unity and also shown their strength during the rallies.