Turkish PM repeats accusations against opposition and 'extreme groups' over Taksim protests

Turkish PM repeats accusations against opposition and 'extreme groups' over Taksim protests

RABAT - Doğan News Agency

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks with Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane at Rabat airport June 3, 2013. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated today his accusations against Turkey's main opposition and 'extreme groups' for the ongoing protests, at a press conference during his visit to Morocco.

When asked about President Abdullah Gül's remarks that "All the messages with good intentions were received, and what is necessary will be done," Erdoğan said he "couldn't know" about the message Gül had taken.

"In the beginning, the events were caused by the problem of trees. But then the protesters were pushed by people who failed to win the elections," Erdoğan said in Rabat.

Turkish intelligence is looking into possible links between the incidents in Taksim Square and "foreign powers," Erdoğan had also said earlier today, before leaving for Morocco.

Turkey situation 'calming down': Erdoğan says in Morocco

Erdoğan said that the situation in his country is "now calming down" despite a fourth day of violent protests against his rule, according to Agence France-Presse.

"The situation (in Turkey) is now calming down... On my return from this visit, the problems will be solved," Erdogan told a news conference in Rabat.