92001E3000

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3000/01

by Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(5 November 2001)

Subject: Statements by the Turkish Prime Minister

Speaking on the US television network CNN on 14 October 2001, the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr Bulent Ecevit stated that his country was also a victim of terrorism perpetrated by terrorists who find refugee in EU countries.

In view of Turkey's status as a candidate for accession to the EU, and the Turkish Prime Minister's indiscriminate accusation against all 15 Member States of the Union, will the Council seek to obtain an explanation and specific evidence to substantiate Mr Ecevit's claim?

Reply

(14 February 2002)

This is not the first time Turkey has claimed that persons regarded as terrorists in Turkey have found refuge in Member States of the European Union. This is neither new nor unique to Turkey. Since the events of 11 September, Member States have been investigating possible abuses of the right to political asylum by persons particularly those with connections to the Al Quaida network who, operating from within the territory of EU Member States, have encouraged violence and terrorism elsewhere.

The issue of EU-Turkey cooperation in combating terrorism is addressed with Turkey in the appropriate bodies, as part of measures to implement the action plan adopted by the Ghent European Council.