Foreign Ministry reacts to US 2023 Human Rights Report

The written statement noted, "It clearly shows that the report was prepared with political motives, far from impartiality and objectivity. We reiterate our call for the US to end its double-standard policy on human rights."

In the statement issued by Turkey, it was noted that the "2023 Human Rights Report," published by the US Department of State on April 22 and containing sections on nearly 200 countries, includes baseless allegations, untrue information, and biased comments regarding Turkey, as it has in previous years.

Emphasizing that this report, which was "prepared on the basis of claims with uncertain sources and the rhetoric of circles affiliated with terrorist organizations," is not considered credible, the statement said, "Our country continues its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law with determination, despite the multifaceted and severe terrorist threats it faces."

"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO UNDERSTAND"

The statement pointed out that Turkey's counter-terrorism operations, conducted on the basis of the right to self-defense, are "directed entirely at terrorist elements and the capabilities they use in their terrorist activities," adding, "It is impossible to understand the US's insistence on inconsistent claims that distort the facts, as an ally that knows well the scope of the just and legitimate struggle we are waging against all forms of terrorism."

"FAR FROM IMPARTIALITY AND OBJECTIVITY"

The statement noted that the fact that the report "does not adequately cover the inhumane attacks continuing in Gaza, which deal a major blow not only to the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people but also to the common values of all humanity," was met with great concern, and assessed that "this situation clearly shows that the report in question was prepared with political motives, far from impartiality and objectivity."

"WE REITERATE OUR CALL FOR THE US TO END ITS DOUBLE-STANDARD POLICY"

The statement concluded, "We reiterate our call for the US to focus on its own human rights record and to end its double-standard policy on human rights, as well as its partnerships with terrorist organizations."

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS WERE INCLUDED IN THE TURKEY SECTION OF THE REPORT

In the Turkey section of the report, it was pointed out that according to international institutions and observers, voters were able to freely express their political preferences in the presidential elections held last May, but it was alleged that there were problems regarding political freedoms.

In the report, where the term "Gulen movement" was preferred in the sections regarding the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), critical statements were included regarding Turkey's operations against the PKK and YPG in northern Iraq and Syria.

News Source: AA