Strasbourg, 10/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 10 June, the European Parliament hailed the Turkish elections held on 7 June but, at the same time, called on the country to do more on human rights, in particular on respect for the freedom of the media, freedom of expression and judicial independence and on tackling corruption.
In the resolution on the progress report by Kati Piri (S&D, Netherlands) which was passed by 437 votes to 94, with 127 abstentions, MEPs welcomed the election of “the most inclusive and representative parliament in Turkish modern history”. They call on “all political parties to work towards the establishment of a stable and inclusive government which should reinvigorate the democratisation process in Turkey and its reform dialogue with the EU”.
In the report, Parliament calls on Turkey to “place the reform process at the centre of its domestic policy choices”. “A new constitution based on provisions promoting a pluralistic, inclusive and tolerant society would underpin the reform process and provide a solid base for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law”, MEPs stress. Parliament also expresses its serious concern at the high level of political polarisation in Turkey. MEPs call on the Council to open negotiations on the judiciary and fundamental rights as well as on justice, freedom and security, as soon as the set criteria have been met.
Parliament also underlines “the importance of more frequent high-level dialogue and consultation between the EU and Turkey on foreign and security policy issues” in order to ensure that EU and Turkish policies complement one another. MEPs speak of tackling terrorism and also of migration issues. Turkey should progressively bring its foreign policy into line with that of the EU, MEPs go on. “The Turkish Foreign Minister should be invited to attend Foreign Affairs Councils whenever relevant”, they say, expressing the view that the opening of Chapter 31 on foreign, security and defence policy “could provide a much needed framework for structured dialogue, cooperation and coordination on foreign policy issues”.
MEPs call on Turkey to take the necessary steps towards the normalisation of relations with the Republic of Cyprus and to bring an end to the repeated violations of Greek airspace and territorial waters. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)