EP progress report praises reconciliation, does not see Gülenist threat
by Mehmet Solmaz
ISTANBULJan 16, 2015 - 12:00 am GMT+3
by Mehmet Solmaz
Jan 16, 2015 12:00 am
The European Parliament's (EP) Committee on Foreign Affairs approved the Resolution on Turkey's Progress Report for 2014 yesterday in which it praised the commitment put forward for the ongoing reconciliation process that aims to end the decades-long conflict with the PKK in southeastern Turkey.
However, it ignored Ankara's concerns regarding the threat posed by the Gülen Movement, which allegedly attempted to overthrow the elected government via its followers in the judiciary and police department and launched a smear campaign against the government through its media organs.
The EP report said "[it] strongly supports efforts by the government to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable solution for the Kurdish issue on the basis of negotiations with the PKK; encourages the government to enhance the social, cultural and political rights of citizens of Kurdish origin; and welcomes the law 'to bring a stronger legal foundation to the settlement process,' adopted by the [Turkish Parliament] on 11 June 2014, encompassing measures to eliminate terrorism and strengthen social inclusion …"
The report added that the successful resolution of the Kurdish issue would make a positive contribution to stability and the protection of human rights in Turkey. The EP called on all political parties to support the process. However, the report criticized the government, saying that it "deplores the detention" of Gülen Movement-linked media figures, who were detained for several days after a rival religious group filed a complaint, claiming that the Gülen Movement plotted against them.
The EP also welcomed "the new strategy devised by the Government of Turkey to channel all new legislation through the EU Affairs Ministry; recommends, in this regard, whenever possible, close consultation with the Venice Commission and a more intensive dialogue with the European Commission on new legislation under preparation and on the implementation of existing laws, in order to ensure compatibility with the EU acquis."
Turkey's continued assistance to the estimated 1.6 million refugees from neighboring Iraq and Syria, and its open border policy for humanitarian purposes is also praised in the report, which states that it "recalls Turkey's strategic importance for EU's energy security.
The EP said it welcomes the continuing efforts by Turkey and Greece to improve bilateral relations, including through regular high-level meetings, and also that it supports the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement for both communities in accordance with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.