Turkish Deputy PM says initial protests were 'just'

He has apologised to those who were injured in the clashes because of their environmental concerns.

The protests have since escalated into five days of unrest in Istanbul, the capital Ankara, and other cities across Turkey.

One union federation has begun a two-day strike in support of the protests.

Arinc, speaking at a news conference in Ankara, also offered to meet the organisers of the protests against the Gezi Park redevelopment.