'Emphasis on İmamoğlu' stands out in European Parliament report: Reaction from Foreign Ministry

The Ministry stated, "The 2023-2024 Turkey Report adopted today by the European Parliament General Assembly contains distorted, biased, and unrealistic allegations against our country."

HEAVY CRITICISM OF TURKEY

According to a report by BBC Turkish, the European Parliament (EP) has adopted its annual report, which contains heavy criticism of Turkey. 

For the 27-page report, which includes harsh criticism particularly in the areas of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, 367 parliamentarians voted in favor, while 74 voted against. 188 parliamentarians chose to abstain.

In the report authored by Spanish parliamentarian Nacho Sanchez Amor and in statements coming from Strasbourg, the message that "there is no shortcut to membership" was brought to the forefront.

Stating that they have recently encountered reports in the Turkish media suggesting that Turkey's military power would open the doors of the EU, Sanchez Amor said, "This will not happen. There is no shortcut to becoming an EU member."

The main message from Marta Kos, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, who stated that they are observing worrying developments in the fields of human rights and democracy, was as follows:

"It is important for Turkey to clarify the nature of the relationship it wishes to maintain with the EU and to align its actions accordingly.

"Ultimately, the depth and quality of our cooperation will depend on the mutual commitment and constructive approach of both sides."

In the statements made by parliamentarians who took the floor during the session, criticisms overshadowed positive remarks.

ECHR CALL STANDS OUT

One of the most notable points in the report concerned the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Although they are binding, Turkey does not implement certain ECHR rulings.

For this reason, a troubled process has been ongoing between the Council of Europe and Ankara for years.

In the report, the EP demanded "full implementation," focusing on the ECHR rulings regarding human rights defender Osman Kavala and politician Selahattin Demirtaş.

The EP brought up the proposal to link financial aid provided to Turkey with ECHR rulings.

The report called on the EU Commission and EU members to use all diplomatic channels to ensure Turkey implements these rulings and to consider compliance with these rulings as a prerequisite for financial aid to be provided to Turkey.

EMPHASIS ON İMAMOĞLU IN THE REPORT

The situation of Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was detained on March 19 and arrested on March 23 on charges of founding a criminal organization, extortion, bribery, aggravated fraud, cooperation with a terrorist organization, and corruption, was also included in the report.

The EP had previously held a session regarding the detention and subsequent developments but had not adopted a resolution.

In the document, where the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, whose university diploma was cancelled, is described as a "politically motivated move," the view that "Turkish authorities are pushing the country toward an even more authoritarian model" was processed.

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç, in a statement made after İmamoğlu's detention, had said, "It is extremely dangerous and wrong to pull the investigations being carried out by an impartial and independent judiciary toward different sides and to characterize them with terms like a coup."

Tunç had stated, "Everyone should know that in a state of law, if there is an allegation that a crime has been committed, the place where the defense will be made is not the streets, but the judicial authorities."

The report stated, "The EP is deeply concerned about the continued regression of democratic standards and the relentless pressure applied by Turkish authorities against critical voices through increasingly repressive laws."

REFERENCE MADE TO THE PROCESS WITH THE PKK

The document expressed support for the process being carried out for the PKK to lay down its arms and disband itself.

The call for disarmament and self-dissolution by Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the PKK which is on the EU's terrorist list, was welcomed, and the constructive approach initiated by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli was also appreciated.

The report stated, "The EP welcomes Abdullah Öcalan's call to the PKK to lay down its arms, disband itself, and join the peace process as a historic and long-awaited step that could help end the 40-year period of violence that has caused the deaths of more than 40 thousand people."

The document emphasized that "a significant opportunity is at stake."

News Source: 12punto