Turkish PM Erdogan calls protests undemocratic

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he cannot yield to protesters' demands because of his responsibility toward half of Turkey's electorate who voted for him.

In comments to journalists, Erdogan called week-long protests undemocratic and an attempt by a "minority" group to "dominate" over his majority.

• Derek Stoffel reports from inside the new, divided Turkey

Erdogan said: "If we were to remain indifferent in the face of such a thing, the 50 per cent who voted for [the ruling party] would tomorrow ask me why."

His words were published in several newspapers on Friday, a day after more than 10,000 supporters greeted the prime minister at an Istanbul airport on his return from a North African tour.

Tens of thousands have held demonstrations voicing discontent with Erdogan's 10-year-rule.