On Thursday 19 April, the European Parliament called on the Turkish authorities to release two Greek soldiers who are currently being detained in Turkey, and to return them to Greece.
The two men are reported to have mistakenly crossed the border between their country and Turkey because of bad weather (see EUROPE 11988).
The resolution the MEPs adopted with 607 votes in favour, 7 against and 18 abstentions urges the authorities "to swiftly conclude the judicial process" and "scrupulously" follow legal proceedings and fully respect, for all those concerned, the human rights enshrined in international law, including the Geneva Convention.
The Parliament also asks the Council, Commission, European External Action Service and all the member states to show solidarity with Greece and "to call for the immediate release of the two Greek soldiers in any contacts or communication with Turkish leaders and authorities, in the spirit of international law and good neighbourly relations". (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)