Brussels, 07/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - The European Union on Monday condemned the violent suppression of a women's demonstration in Turkey on Sunday. In Ankara for an EU Troika meeting with the Turkish authorities, Council President Jean Asselborn, European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn and UK Minister for European Affairs Denis MacShane on Monday issued a joint declaration in which they said they were "shocked" by the violence and requested that Turkey carry out an enquiry. Television showed pictures of police dispersing a peaceful women's demonstration using batons and tear gas. Turkish authorities said the demonstration, held two days before International Women's Day, had not been authorised. According to Turkish media reports, more than 60 people were arrested.
In their declaration the three EU representatives said: "We were shocked by the images of police striking women and young people demonstrating in Istanbul in connection with International Women's Day We condemn all violence since any demonstration should be conducted peacefully. On the day before an EU visit during which women's rights will be an important issue, we are concerned to see such disproportionate use of force against demonstrators. We request that the Turkish authorities conduct an enquiry into this event so that similar incidents may be prevented in the future." President of the European Parliament Josep Borrell also "condemned" the police violence and called on the Turkish government to "do everything, by way of setting an example, to punish the perpetrators of these indescribable acts that are incompatible with Turkey's ambition one day to join the EU" (in Monday's plenary he commented that this behaviour was not "a very good calling card").
The Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs said on Monday that an enquiry would be carried out. "I wish to express my sadness over the incidents that occurred at an illegal demonstration in Istanbul", said Abdullah Gul before adding, according to the AFP news agency, that "everybody must respect the law, but when they do not the police must be very careful over its reaction".
Jean Asselborn also made renewed calls for the reunification of Cyprus. "It seems clear to me that a climate of trust and cooperation depends on the two communities themselves. I will therefore favour direct contacts between partners", he said at a press conference. He was also ready to "favour direct contacts" between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. He also stressed "the importance of maintaining the pace of reform in order to avoid any risk of losing the dynamic".