Füle: vreedzame oplossing Turkije en Koerden moet mogelijk zijn (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Strasbourg, 06 February 2013

Remarks by EU Commissioner Stefan Fiile on behalf of EU High

Representative Catherine Ashton i at the plenary debate on "Dialogue for a peaceful solution of the Kurdish issue in Turkey"

We have consistently underlined that finding a solution to the Kurdish issue and to all the problems in the South-East requires the widest possible contribution of all democratic forces, and an open and frank public discussion that should be conducted in the full respect of basic fundamental freedoms

That is why the on-going discussions are of such historic importance for Turkey. They constitute a great window of opportunity for the ending of terrorism that would hopefully pave the way to an overall solution of the Kurdish issue

The fact that the process has met the support of all stakeholders, notably the opposition, and has been welcomed by important parts of Turkish society gives us more reasons to be optimistic and to believe that the process is truly result oriented

A successful outcome would not only put an end to a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives over the past three decades. It would solve many outstanding problems in Turkey, and play a crucial role in fostering political and constitutional reforms; it would be a strong incentive for the adoption of the fourth judicial reform package, actually addressing the key problems related to freedom of expression and other fundamental rights and it would facilitate the redrafting of the constitution, with respect to the right of citizenship

In this regards a solution of this issue will have a strong impact on the accession process of Turkey as such as it will further consolidate the role of the EU as a benchmark for reforms in Turkey. In turn, putting the access negotiation back on the right track would be a strong incentive for supporting a solution to this issue and the reform process in general

In the meantime, I welcome steps as the recent adoption of the law allowing for the defence in Kurdish in Courts as an important confidence building measure in the context of the on-going talks. Regarding the redrafting of the constitution, we have understood that it has entered a critical stage

While all parties are to be congratulated for the constructive attitude so far, now is the time for results in the spirit of compromise and I cannot underline enough the importance of keeping up the participatory process

Finally a few words on the tragic events which occurred in Paris last month

We are aware of the distress this triple murder has provoked. We are confident that the on-going investigations by the French authorities will shed full light on this crime. We encourage all parties involved not to let this horrible incident or other possible provocations in the future distract them from their goal to achieve peace

Honourable Members, It is crucial that the European Union as a whole conveys its strong and clear support for these on-going efforts. It remains equally important that we coordinate our messages of support to Turkey

The Commission stands ready to assist where it can, including on using our financial assistance under our instrument for pre-accession support, to support a post conflict and reconciliation strategy and to expand further the social economic development, the political and culture rights of the citizens of Kurdish origins

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