Brussels, 18/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 17 October, the European Parliament's committee on human rights discussed the human rights situation in Turkey and held an exchange of views with NGOs. After reviewing progress made by Ankara, they underlined that reforms are needed on justice systems, respect of freedom of expression, minorities and women's rights.
Marie Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL, France) pointed out that government opponents - or rather those bold enough to criticise the government - are more often than not prosecuted in the name of counter-terrorism. Marietje Schaake (ALDE, Netherlands) felt that press freedom was insufficient, adding: “We are told journalists are not imprisoned because they are journalists but because they are terrorists. We want proof.” She also called for reforms to be applied, explaining: “There is the letter and the spirit. Legislation must be understood and applied by the police.” She added that rule of law, and good governance must be strengthened, and highlighted the importance of civil society.
Christine Vergiat also spoke of the situation of the Kurds, requesting that they be better protected within the EU. She said that from 1,000 to 1,300 Kurd elected representatives have reportedly been arrested since June 2011 and that Turkey intervened militarily in the Kurd part of Iraq in July. Iran also intervened. She said the population has been caught in the crossfire between Iranians and Turks, but that there has not been the slightest military condemnation. Turkey violates the rights of minorities on the ground, explained Antigoni Papadopoulou (S&D, Cyprus).
Hélène Flautre (Greens/EFA, France) reproached the EU for “freezing” talks with Ankara, saying the EU “has clipped its wings by preventing negotiation on chapters 23 and 24 (on human rights, justice, security and freedom) with Turkey”. In other words, by preventing work to continue on these chapters, the EU has deprived itself of the most effective instruments for promoting reforms. Flautre also supported Commissioner Füle and his “positive agenda” for standing ready “when the time comes, once obstacles have been removed” to move forward faster with the talks.
Barry Maldener (NA, Netherlands), for his part, called on his colleagues to “wake up” and to be “tougher” in relations with Turkey. Is it not time, he asked, to put an end to talks with Turkey? One hears talk of all sorts of problems but nothing is done, he continued, calling for pressure to be stepped up in the field of trade, for example. (CG/transl.jl)