WRITTEN QUESTION E-3630/98

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission

(3 December 1998)

Subject: Respect for human rights and democratic freedoms in Turkey

The Turkish Human Rights Association claims that the Turkish authorities have banned its chairman, Akin Birdal, from travelling abroad because he has been sentenced to a one-year term of imprisonment. Akin Birdal was to have travelled to Norway to receive treatment for wounds he suffered during the attempt on his life a few months ago and to take part in an event organised by the Nobel Institute in his honour. Furthermore, eight Turkish students were recently sentenced to prison terms of between 5 and 8 years by the Turkish security court after being found guilty of belonging to an illegal leftwing organization.

How will the Commission intervene to safeguard human rights and democratic freedoms in Turkey, bearing in mind the crucial discussions concerning the report on progress achieved in relations between the EU and Turkey?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(21 December 1998)

The Commission shares the concern expressed by the Honourable Member regarding Mr Akin Birdal.

The Commission closely follows all aspects of the human rights situation in Turkey. In its first regular report on progress made by Turkey towards accession, adopted on 4 November 1998, the Commission underlined the problematic aspects presented by Turkey in this regard and the necessity to improve the current situation. The report also made a specific reference to the problems faced by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in the field of human rights in Turkey and to the case of Mr Birdal.

In this context, the Commission would recall the conclusions of the European Council held in Luxembourg in December 1997 which recalled that "strengthening Turkey's links with the European Union also depends on that country's pursuit of the political and economic reforms on which it has embarked, including the alignment of human rights and practices on those in force in the European Union ... ."

In all its contacts with the Turkish authorities, and despite the decision taken by Ankara to suspend the political dialogue with the Community, the Commission is determined to continue to express its concerns on these matters.