WRITTEN QUESTION E-0017/02

by Marie Isler Béguin (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(21 January 2002)

Subject: Mandate of the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission

In his speech to the European Parliament on Turkey, on 24 October 2001, Mr Verheugen, Commissioner on enlargement, announced that the Commission welcomes the very recent initiative by the civil society in the two countries [Armenia and Turkey] to bring the two nations closer together and, with the help of independent historians, to reappraise the tragic events of the past.

In its fourth report on Turkey's progress towards accession, published on 13 November 2001, the Commission also mentions the fact that an unofficialTurkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commissionhas been set up with a view to promoting dialogue and mutual understanding in the field of economy, tourism, culture, education, research, environment as well as media.

Are these two statements referring to the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission whose establishment was officially announced in July 2001?

Which of the above two definitions, setting out radically different objectives, is to be considered as correct? Is the Reconciliation Commission to focus on historical issues?

Would the Commission agree that this must be specified, especially in the context of relations between the European Union and its partners?

Does the Commission plan to explain exactly what its position is so that the matter may be cleared up?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(18 February 2002)

The Commission supports any civil society initiative aiming at fostering dialogue and mutual understanding between Armenia and Turkey.

This was precisely the meaning of the speech by the Member of the Commission in charge of Enlargement before the Parliament on 24 October 2001 when it was said that recent initiatives taken by civil society to bring people of both countries together are very much welcome. It is in that context that the Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission was mentioned. It was then added that this should lead to further reconciliation and mutual confidence.

This position was reiterated in the Commission's Regular Report on Turkey of 13 November 2001(1) which mentioned the setting up of a Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission. Again, particular reference was made to promoting dialogue and mutual understanding in the field of economy, tourism, culture, education, research, environment as well as media.

The Commission would draw to the attention of the Honourable Member the fact that the Turkish-Armenia Reconciliation Commission has now de facto ceased to function with the withdrawal of the Armenian representatives on 12 December 2001.

(1) COM(2001) 700 final.