US Vice President Joe Biden, speaking at a round-table discussion with the participation of deputies of the Turkish parliament in Istanbul, condemned the detention of a group of scientists who signed a petition calling to stop the violence in the south-east of the country.
"We will continue to explain to Turkey and other countries that the ability to criticize freely is as important as to breathe freely. Freedom of speech and press are not just American, but universal values. John Bass, our ambassador, expressed the view of our country about the persecution of academics who expressed their thoughts. These freedoms are in the constitution of Turkey, and we want to ensure that your country becomes a model of democracy for the entire region. The strength of Turkish democracy affects the strength of the union between Turkey and the United States," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.
