Brussels, 29/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 29 March, MEPs urged Turkey to improve its relations with its neighbours. In a resolution by Ria Oomen-Ruijten on the 2011 report on the progress accomplished by Turkey, which was adopted by 517 votes for, 66 against, with 63 abstentions, MEPs highlight the fact that good relations between Turkey and neighbouring member states are a key factor in the reopening of negotiations and resuming dialogue. In support of negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus, the Parliament deplores Turkey's threats to freeze its relations with the Cypriot Presidency in the second half of 2012 if the conflict has not been resolved. The Parliament takes formal note of the stepping up in relations between Turkey and Greece as a means to improve their mutual relationship and calls on Ankara to normalise its relations with Armenia and take action on the Kurdish question. MEPs also called on member states and the international community to support Turkey in its efforts to manage the humanitarian dimension to the crisis in Syria.
MEPs also underline the inter-dependency of the EU, its member states and Turkey, from an economic, migratory and energy point of view, as well as in terms of foreign, security and neighbourhood policy. They consider that this inter-dependency can only bring positive results if there really is “mutual commitment, with a strategic dialogue and efficient cooperation, progress in reforms and their implementation, and good relations between Ankara and neighbouring member states”.
They call on the Turkish government to fully implement the additional protocol to the association agreement in a way that is both comprehensive and non-discriminatory with regard to all the different member states. The Parliament also emphasises that Turkey is the only candidate country not to have benefited from the liberalisation of visas regime.
MEPs express their complete and total support for drafting a new civil constitution and hope that negotiations are based on consensus and constructive compromise. The Parliament also explains that reform of the judicial system must ultimately be aimed at producing a “modern, efficient and fully independent and impartial system”.
The Parliament points out that freedom of expression and pluralism of the media are at the core of European values and democratic societies. It reiterates its concerns about the legal proceedings being pursued against human rights activists, militants and journalists who raise “questions concerning the public interest”, and the broad interpretation and application of the antiterrorism law. MEPs demand that the government immediately ensure that equality be guaranteed in Turkish law and respected, “without there being any distinction based on gender, gender identity, race or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation”.
Tense debate on Cyprus. During a debate the previous day, MEPs debated existing problems in the relationship between Turkey and Cyprus. Takis Hadjigeorgiou (GUE/NGL, Cyprus) said that “if Ankara refuses any concept with the Cypriot Presidency, it is an insult to everybody”. His fellow MEP, however, Barry Madlener (NI, Netherlands) said that “if there is a Turkish boycott during the Cypriot Presidency, it will never be able to return to the negotiating table”. Geoffrey Van Orden (ECR, UK) said that the Cypriot problem should not be part of accession negotiations. He said that they are asking for a unilateral gesture on the Cypriot problem, but are doing nothing in return.
Andrew Duff (ALDE, UK) said that there was nothing more intellectual or strategic than seeing the Cypriot Presidency opening chapters 23 and 24 (on fundamental rights, justice, freedom and security). He said that he was insisting that the Cypriot Presidency be made aware of these responsibilities. Hélène Flautre (Greens/EFA, France) also urged that everything be done to open these chapters and also the chapter on visas. She called for changes to the anti-terrorist law and a resolution on the Kurdish question. Bastiaan Belder (EFD, Netherlands) highlighted religious problems. “New chapters should certainly be opened but freedom of expression, abusive use of the antiterrorism law, the temporary and abusive detention of journalists and activists… should also be stressed”, added Raimon Obiols (S&D, Spain), who also highlighted the positive agenda, as did rapporteur Ria Oomen Ruijten. (CG/trans/fl)