IKV CHAIRMAN ZEYTİNOĞLU CALLING FOR A BALANCED TURKEY REPORT
IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu reacted to the Turkey report prepared by MEP and current Turkey Rapporteur Kati Piri. It is expected that the report will be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament on 16 February 2016.
IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu indicated that the points highlighted regarding the state of freedom of expression and the need for an independent media in the report are accurate, underlining that freedom of press and expression are sine qua non conditions for the democratization and development of Turkey. Moreover, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu stated that the emphasis put upon the question of state of law is of critical importance and he called upon the political obstacles which are preventing Chapters 23 and 24 to be swiftly removed in order for Turkey to further progress in the above mentioned areas. IKV Chairman added that “If the EU is sincere about their intention towards Turkey; they will take action to open Chapters 23 and 24 immediately”.
IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu also referred to the current situation in Southeastern Turkey and counter-terrorism. He was quoted as saying the following:
“It is indicated in the report that the situation in Southeastern Turkey is a significant source of concern. Turkey has a legitimate right to fight against terrorism and this should also be indicated in the report. The report also condemns the violence and attacks against security forces and civilians perpetrated by the PKK terror organization. We are expecting the EU to stand with Turkey to fight against terrorism. Undoubtedly, if current events in Southeastern Turkey, such as trenches, arms piles, bombings and attacks, were to take place in any EU Member State, our European allies would not hesitate to take strong measures in order to restore security and State authority. “
IKV Chairman noted that the emphasis put upon the respect for human rights and the rule of law while providing security in the Southeastern region in the report is of utmost importance. Moreover, he touched upon calls for ceasefire and returning back to the resolution process immediately. He reminded that providing peace and returning back to the solution process can only be possible if PKK terror organization stops the violence and lay down its weapons.
IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu also commented to the situation of Syrian refugees which has been mentioned in the report. IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu welcomed the fact that the report praises Turkey’s open door policy towards refugees. In addition, he stressed the importance for the EU to become more active in the issue of burden-sharing and take a more effective role in solving the current pending issues in order to improve the status of refugees.
Finally, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu indicated that IKV will continue to follow closely how the report is evolving following Commission meetings and when it will be tackled within the framework of the EP General Plenary. He further added that IKV is expecting the report to be supportive and encouraging as regards Turkey’s revitalized EU accession process.