ANKARA - Turkish premier called for caution on Tuesday against what he said "provocations by illegal organizations" in May Day celebrations, as major Turkish trade unions are pressing to stage a rally at Istanbul's biggest square, a spot banned for such gatherings for over 30 years.
"We are warning everyone against acts and provocations by illegal organizations and I urge everyone not to play into these provocations. Let's celebrate this day in unity and friendship at places designated by the law," Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a group meeting of his Justice and Development (AK) Party.
Trade unions have said that they wanted to mark Workers' Day at Taksim square where gunmen opened fire on demonstrators in 1977, killing 37 people. May Day celebrations at Taksim Square have been banned since then.
Leaders of trade unions earlier met with the premier to seek an approval for the rally and the labor minister said the government would make an announcement on the issue later on Tuesday.
(YMB-ULG)