Turkish president calls for end to “violence” in France

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for an end to the "spiral of violence" in France before it escalates.

Referring to the recent unrest in France over the police shooting of a teenager, Erdogan voiced "concern" that the developments could pave the way for more "intimidation" against Muslims and migrants in the country.

"We hope the spiral of violence, which we have been watching with concern, ends immediately before more blood is spilt and [unrest] escalates further," he said after a cabinet meeting on July 3.

Noting that "injustice faced by migrants and Muslims" could deepen after the protests, Erdogan said the unrest in the streets was not a "legitimate way to seek rights", criticising "plundering" and the "destruction of public property". 

He also criticised "a deafening silence" by Western media outlets and authorities. 

Turkey hosts over 3.51 million Syrians under "temporary protection" status, with tensions between locals and Syrians, according to official data.

The Turkish government officials have cited the return of Syrian migrants as a key priority in its continued rapprochement talks with the Syrian government.