EU Calls for Ceasefire and Political Steps

The European Parliament (EP)  has called on the PKK to announce an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. It has also asked Turkey to refrain from disproportionate military operations which would violate Iraq's territories.

The assembly of the EP on Wednesday (24 October) was  joined by representatives of the European Council and the European Commission. The EP debated the yearly progress report of Turkey. The EU Commission will announce the full report within two weeks.

Condemnation of PKK violence, call for ceasefire

The EP has strongly condemned the PKK violence and has called on it to announce a ceasefire. It has also called on the new government to work on initiatives which would lead to a lasting solution to the Kurdish question. The parliament drew attention to the fact that the southeast of Turkey is in need of an extensive strategy in order to develop socially and economically.

Call on Turkey and Iraq to seek political solution

The EP also emphasised the importance of "fighting against terrorism in proportion with the threat and faithful to legal organs and standards". It expressed its worry about possible cross-border military operations into Northern Iraq.
The EP has called on Turkey and Iraq to cooperate in security matters in order to prevent the terrorist activities coming from Northern Iraq.

Ollie Rehn, the Commissioner for Enlargement of the EU, said that the Commission condemned the attacks of the PKK, which was on the EU list of terrorist organisations, but called on Turkey and Iraq's regional authorities to seek a political solution of the Kurdish question.

Action against extremism, reform of 301

Discussing other issues in Turkey, the EP has strongly condemned the murders of journalist and human rights activist Hrant Dink and the priest Andrea Santoro. It emphasised the need for "immediate and effective action against all kinds of extremism and violence".

Pointing to the trials of many people under Article 301 of the new Turkish Penal Code, the EP has stated that press freedom and freedom of expression had to be one  of the government's priorities. Rehn also said that a reform of Article 301 was indespensible in order for Turkey to become reconciled with its past.

More civilian auditing of army, secret services and police

Expressing its worry at the army's continuing interference in politics, the EP emphasised that full and effective civilian auditing of the army needed to be aimed at. Furthermore, it called on parliamentary auditing of Turkey's secret services, the gendarmerie and police.

Relations with Cyprus and Armenia 

The parliament has called on the Turkish government to fulfill the responsibilities put down in the Ankara Protocol. It was particularly concerned about Cyprus and Armenia. The EP stated that if Turkish forces were withdrawn from Cyprus, that negotiations for a solution would be made easier.

Rehn said that the Commission would support such a process.

In addition, the EP has asked for a special EU Commission report on the application and effectiveness of financial support means for the Turkish society in Cyprus.

The EP has also called on the Turkish and Armenian governments "to initiate a process of compromise/solution, both concerning today and the past".

Praise and hope for positive developments

The EP has interpreted the election of the new president as a sign of the strength of democracy in Turkey and has expressed its pleasure at the new government's dedication to developing the reform process and initiating a new and civil constitution which would protect basic rights and freedoms.

Rehn has also called on the EU to remain faithful to the enlargement perspective concerning Turkey which was envisaged before negotiations were started. (TK/AG)