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  • PACE president visits Ankara

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    PACE PRESIDENT VISITS ANKARA
    [07:11 pm] 15 January, 2008

    Democratic progress must be strengthened by
    constitutional and legislative reforms, declares PACE
    President in Ankara.

    Strasbourg, 15.01.2008 - "I praise the strong
    commitment of the Turkish authorities to continuing
    democratic reforms," declared René van der Linden,
    President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
    of Europe (PACE), at the end of his official visit to
    Turkey (Ankara and Konya) from 13 to 15 January 2008.

    "The parliamentary and presidential elections in 2007
    confirmed the stability of Turkish democracy and
    resulted in a more pluralistic and representative
    Parliament with an increased participation of women
    and MPs from the South-East of Turkey," said the
    President. "However, discussions must continue on
    lowering the ten per cent threshold for the
    Parliament, which remains the highest in Europe."

    "The democratic reforms must be stabilised and
    strengthened by corresponding constitutional and
    legislative measures, as called for by the Assembly
    upon the closing of the monitoring procedure in 2004."


    "These measures must, among others, strengthen the
    guarantees of the freedom of expression and religion,
    the independence of justice, the fight against
    corruption and establish an effective Ombudsman's
    office."

    In this connection, Mr van der Linden urged the
    Turkish authorities to change Article 301 of the
    Criminal Code to bring it into conformity with Council
    of Europe standards. "I was encouraged by the
    commitment of the President of Turkey to make progress
    on this issue, as he also declared in his speech
    before the Assembly in Strasbourg in October 2007,"
    said Mr van der Linden.

    The continuation of the reform process is the best way
    to achieve progress in accession negotiations with the
    EU, he continued. "If Turkey fulfils its democratic
    commitments, the EU must also keep its promises as
    regards Turkish membership in the EU." The PACE
    President invited Turkey to fully use the potential of
    the Council of Europe and its instruments, including
    the expertise of the Venice Commission.

    "As a democratic Muslim country, Turkey plays an
    indispensable role in promoting inter-religious and
    intercultural dialogue. This has been demonstrated by
    the joint initiative of the Prime Ministers of Turkey
    and Spain on an 'Alliance of Civilisations', now
    holding its first Forum in Madrid. The Council of
    Europe and its Assembly, bringing together
    representatives from different cultures and religions,
    is a natural partner in this Alliance."

    Finally, the PACE President stressed the Assembly's
    potential for contributing to a solution of the Cyprus
    issue. He cited the historic meeting of religious
    leaders from both communities, held under his auspices
    in February 2007, as well as the fact that the
    Assembly is the only European institution to associate
    elected representatives of the Turkish Cypriot
    community in its work, as concrete examples of the
    Assembly's contribution so far.

    "I chose Turkey for my last official visit as PACE
    President to underline the importance of this country
    for the future of Europe. Turkey will play an
    increasing role, both in economic and geopolitical
    terms, and it is in the interest of all to have Turkey
    as a partner committed to European values," concluded
    Mr van der Linden.

    During the visit, Mr van der Linden met in Ankara with
    the President of the Republic, Abdullah Gül, the
    President of the Grand National Assembly, Köksal
    Toptan, the State Minister for Economic Affairs,
    Mehmet Simsek, the Chair of the EU Harmonisation
    Committee, Yasar Yakis and the Chair of the Foreign
    Affairs Committee, Murat Mercan. In Konya, he met the
    Governor and the Mayor.
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