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"THE PKK IS ALSO EUROPE'S PROBLEM"
Sabah
Jan 13 2012
Turkey
Breaking News
The European Parliament has held their first session on Turkey's
annual progress report.
The draft, prepared by the EP's Dutch Christian Democrats Group Member
Ria Oomen-Ruijten was discussed by the EP Foreign Affairs Commission.
While the majority of parliamentarians found the report to be
'balanced', it is anticipated that there may be up to 400 amendment
proposals.
European Parliament MP's expressed their unease at the report
prepared on CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıcdaroglu regarding lifting his
immunity, which he has also requested, and underlined the necessity
for judicial reform and a civilian constitution. Meanwhile, the draft
report condemns the PKK terrorist organization and requests European
Nations collaborate with Turkey on this issue.
While the European Parliament's Turkey Rapporteur Ria Oomen-Ruijten
responded to the commission's criticism and comments, in regards to
the issue, she stated, "The PKK is a terrorist organization. This
problem does not solely involve Turkey. At the same time it also
closely affects Europe, because, the PKK's sources of funds are
provided from European Union nations. Human trafficking, drug trade
and arms smuggling are all conducted for this purpose. The EU cannot
leave Turkey on its own in the struggle against terrorism."
Answering questions for the Turkish press following the meeting,
Oomen-Ruijten refrained from commenting on the ruling by Denmark's
justice system to not shut down Roj TV, which has been recorded to have
connections to the PKK. The draft report, which requests a political
solution be reached on the Kurdish issue, also emphasizes the need
for all political parties, including BDP, to distance themselves from
the terrorist organization. Expressing her concern at the number of
KCK arrests, the EP rapporteur also offered up the criticism that
thoughts and expressions are penalized in Turkey.
Oomen-Ruijten also touched upon the positive areas found by the
European Commission, "We have an agreement made with Turkey in 2004.
We are trying to portray the picture of how much Turkey has adapted
to the Copenhagen criteria in our annual reports. A number of nations
that experienced the Arab Spring look to the democratization in Turkey
with envy. However, when we look from a European perspective we see
that there are still steps to be taken for further democratization
in Turkey. Turkey and the EU need to work together."
A REACTION TO FRANCE FROM A EUROPEAN LIBERAL LEADER
European Parliamentarian and Leader of the Liberal Group in Parliament
drew attention to the fact that a promise was made to Turkey 50 years
ago and expressed that he does not side with claims that Turkey has
experienced a shift in axis, however also stated that if that were the
case it would not come as a surprise. Emphasizing the need to support
Turkey during the membership process, Watson also criticized France's
approach towards criminalizing the denial of Armenian allegations by
stating it was not 'a positive sign'.
Emine Bozkurt, the AP's Turkey rapporteur on women' rights and gender
equality noted that she found Turkey's draft report to be balanced and
expressed her pleasure that next week they would be handling the need
for work on the constitution to gain speed and for readjustments on
shortening periods of detainment. Bozkurt criticized the report on
Kılıcdaroglu by stating, "The objective should not be to silence
the opposition."
The EP's Turkey progress report, following the inclusion of the
amendment proposals, is expected to be passed by a vote at the Plenary
Session held in Strasbourg in March.
Sabah
Jan 13 2012
Turkey
Breaking News
The European Parliament has held their first session on Turkey's
annual progress report.
The draft, prepared by the EP's Dutch Christian Democrats Group Member
Ria Oomen-Ruijten was discussed by the EP Foreign Affairs Commission.
While the majority of parliamentarians found the report to be
'balanced', it is anticipated that there may be up to 400 amendment
proposals.
European Parliament MP's expressed their unease at the report
prepared on CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıcdaroglu regarding lifting his
immunity, which he has also requested, and underlined the necessity
for judicial reform and a civilian constitution. Meanwhile, the draft
report condemns the PKK terrorist organization and requests European
Nations collaborate with Turkey on this issue.
While the European Parliament's Turkey Rapporteur Ria Oomen-Ruijten
responded to the commission's criticism and comments, in regards to
the issue, she stated, "The PKK is a terrorist organization. This
problem does not solely involve Turkey. At the same time it also
closely affects Europe, because, the PKK's sources of funds are
provided from European Union nations. Human trafficking, drug trade
and arms smuggling are all conducted for this purpose. The EU cannot
leave Turkey on its own in the struggle against terrorism."
Answering questions for the Turkish press following the meeting,
Oomen-Ruijten refrained from commenting on the ruling by Denmark's
justice system to not shut down Roj TV, which has been recorded to have
connections to the PKK. The draft report, which requests a political
solution be reached on the Kurdish issue, also emphasizes the need
for all political parties, including BDP, to distance themselves from
the terrorist organization. Expressing her concern at the number of
KCK arrests, the EP rapporteur also offered up the criticism that
thoughts and expressions are penalized in Turkey.
Oomen-Ruijten also touched upon the positive areas found by the
European Commission, "We have an agreement made with Turkey in 2004.
We are trying to portray the picture of how much Turkey has adapted
to the Copenhagen criteria in our annual reports. A number of nations
that experienced the Arab Spring look to the democratization in Turkey
with envy. However, when we look from a European perspective we see
that there are still steps to be taken for further democratization
in Turkey. Turkey and the EU need to work together."
A REACTION TO FRANCE FROM A EUROPEAN LIBERAL LEADER
European Parliamentarian and Leader of the Liberal Group in Parliament
drew attention to the fact that a promise was made to Turkey 50 years
ago and expressed that he does not side with claims that Turkey has
experienced a shift in axis, however also stated that if that were the
case it would not come as a surprise. Emphasizing the need to support
Turkey during the membership process, Watson also criticized France's
approach towards criminalizing the denial of Armenian allegations by
stating it was not 'a positive sign'.
Emine Bozkurt, the AP's Turkey rapporteur on women' rights and gender
equality noted that she found Turkey's draft report to be balanced and
expressed her pleasure that next week they would be handling the need
for work on the constitution to gain speed and for readjustments on
shortening periods of detainment. Bozkurt criticized the report on
Kılıcdaroglu by stating, "The objective should not be to silence
the opposition."
The EP's Turkey progress report, following the inclusion of the
amendment proposals, is expected to be passed by a vote at the Plenary
Session held in Strasbourg in March.