LOC18:33
15:33 GMT
PARIS, Oct 19 (KUNA) -- France on Thursday expressed concern over the reported arrest of Turkish businessman and renowned civil society figure, Osman Kavala, who was detained by police at Istanbul airport.
The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Kavala is "one of the most important and most respected figures on the Turkish cultural scene and in civil society.
"France is concerned by the detention," the statement said.
The Foreign Ministry also noted that many European countries cooperate regularly on projects with Kavala, who is in regular contact with the French embassy in Ankara.
Paris "will be very attentive to developments in this affair," the statement added.
"Respect for human rights and basic freedoms, in particular freedom of expression in the framework of the Rule of Law, is indispensable in the functioning of a democracy," the Foreign Ministry said.
"This is an essential element of European and international commitments made by Turkey," it added. (end)
jk.sd