EU, US Respond to Erdoğan’s Criticism Against Diplomats

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EU Commission Spokesperson, Maja Kocijancic has responded to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan saying “Who the hell are you, what are you doing there?” addressing consuls who attended the trial of journalists Can Dündar and Erdem Gül.

Kocijancic speaking to Cumhuriyet daily reminded that Turkey is a “candidate country” to EU and added, “That is why we follow the trials”. Kojicancic highlighted that it is the “usual duty” of EU diplomats to monitor whether democratic standards are fulfilled.

US State Department Spokesperson, John Kirby in his daily press meeting said that following the case suits diplomatic procedures. Kirby criticized that the trial is tried closed.

EU: This is their usual duty

EU Commission Spokesperson Maja Kocijancic’s statement is briefly as follows:

“Since Turkey is a candidate country and strategic ally, the European Union closely follows the developments with respect to jurisdiction reform, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press in Turkey.

“Free, different, and independent media constitutes the base of democratic society by facilitating flow of information and ideas, enabling transparency and accountability.

“So, by resting on this base EU Delegation and diplomats of member countries took place in the hearing of Dündar and Gül.

“EU diplomats attend trials regularly in all over the world; especially in the candidate countries. It is their usual duty in Turkey, which has pledged to fulfill European Convention on Human rights at European standards, and implement highest level of democratic standards”.

US: It suits diplomatic procedures

US State Department Spokesperson, John Kirby’s statement is briefly as follows:

“Yes, there were American representatives at the opening of that hearing, and that monitoring and preparing report on host country’s political, judicial and other developments totally suits normal diplomatic procedures. This hasn’t happened for the first time and be sure that following such judicial procedures won’t be last.

“Personally we regret that this trial has been closed to public, media, and diplomatic access. This is regretful. And thirdly, you’ve heard what I said earlier, we continue to call on the Turkish government to stick with freedom of thought, judicial freedom, and freedom of the press which are guaranteed by its own constitution”. (ÇT/TK)