Brussels, 07/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 7 June, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle stressed that the EU has no intention on renouncing Turkish accession. “Let me (…) call on Turkey not to give up on its values of freedom and fundamental rights. And let me assure you that we, on our side, have no intention to give up on Turkey's EU accession”, he said in a speech before Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Füle underlined that “peaceful demonstrations constitute a legitimate way” for groups that do not feel represented by the parliamentary majority “to express their views in a democratic society”. “Excessive use of force by police against these demonstrations has no place in such a democracy”, he stated, saying that he was “happy” that “even” the government admitted this. “What is important now, is not only to launch swift and transparent investigation but also to bring those responsible to account”, Füle added.
“Democracy is a demanding discipline - not only during election campaigns, but every day. It requires debates, consultation and compromise”, Füle stated. He expressed his wish for “the openness and passion of debates” in Turkey to be preserved, “but also translated into harmonious and effective decision making”.
The previous day, Füle had met representatives from civil society organisations in Istanbul - including activists from the Taksim Solidarity Platform. (CG/transl.fl)