The EC recognizes Turkey's contribution to the refugee, but calls for reforms in the rule of law
The EU-Turkey agreement on migration should not be linked to the accession negotiation process of the country, supported by the EP in a resolution Thursday. MEPs "recognize the great humanitarian contribution of Turkey which hosts the largest refugee population in the world" and stressed that it remains a "key strategic partner for the EU." however seek to accelerate reforms in the rule of law and fundamental values.
"The pace of reforms in Turkey has not only slowed down, but in some key areas, such as freedom of expression and the independence of the judiciary, there has been a setback which is particularly worrying," the EP rapporteur said, Kati Piri (Socialists , The Netherlands). "We express our concern at the escalation of violence in the southeast of Turkey, which has led some 400,000 people to flee their homes," she said.
"The award of the refugee crisis in Turkey is not a reliable long-term solution to the problem", stresses the text of the resolution, adding that "safe and legal avenues must be created for refugees and asylum seekers."
MEPs welcome the activation, on November 29, 2015, the joint EU-Turkish action plan for refugees and migration management, in the context of a comprehensive cooperation agenda based on shared responsibility, mutual commitments and achieving results, and they insist that the project should be implemented without delay. however underline that the EU-Turkey cooperation on migration should not be linked to the timing, content and conditions of the negotiation process. In fact "the only political solution to the Syrian crisis can be a viable response to the humanitarian crisis," says the text.
Regression in respect for fundamental freedoms
MEPs call on Turkey to take action to address the bullying methods of journalists, the violent and illegal taking over the management of several Turkish newspapers, most recently the Zaman. Regret for the "serious setback in the last two years for the freedom of speech, expression and opinion both online and offline in Turkey."
"In accordance with the commitment to the rule of law and the EU's fundamental values, Turkey should urgently implement reforms in the fields of judiciary and fundamental rights and justice, freedom and security", says the text.
Progress in talks on the reunification of Cyprus
Welcoming the significant progress made in talks to reunify Cyprus, MEPs express their support for the transformation of Cyprus into a "bicommunal, bizonal federation with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship with political equality between the two communities and equal opportunities for all citizens. "
The EC underlines that "non-settlement of the Cyprus issue affects the development of EU-Turkey relations" and invites all interested parties to make efforts to solve it.
Kurdish and peace process
MEPs call for an immediate ceasefire in southeastern Turkey and the resumption of the peace process. They call on the Turkish government to assume its responsibilities for the resumption of negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive and viable solution to the Kurdish question. The PKK, which is included on the EU list of terrorist organizations, must "lay down its arms, to abandon terrorist tactics and to use peaceful and legal means to express their expectations," says the EC.
The non-legislative resolution on Turkey's progress report for 2015 was approved with 375 votes in favor, 133 against and 87 abstentions.
The EU-Turkey agreement on migration should not be linked to the accession negotiation process of the country, supported by the EP in a resolution Thursday. MEPs "recognize the great humanitarian contribution of Turkey which hosts the largest refugee population in the world" and stressed that it remains a "key strategic partner for the EU." however seek to accelerate reforms in the rule of law and fundamental values.
"The pace of reforms in Turkey has not only slowed down, but in some key areas, such as freedom of expression and the independence of the judiciary, there has been a setback which is particularly worrying," the EP rapporteur said, Kati Piri (Socialists , The Netherlands). "We express our concern at the escalation of violence in the southeast of Turkey, which has led some 400,000 people to flee their homes," she said.
"The award of the refugee crisis in Turkey is not a reliable long-term solution to the problem", stresses the text of the resolution, adding that "safe and legal avenues must be created for refugees and asylum seekers."
MEPs welcome the activation, on November 29, 2015, the joint EU-Turkish action plan for refugees and migration management, in the context of a comprehensive cooperation agenda based on shared responsibility, mutual commitments and achieving results, and they insist that the project should be implemented without delay. however underline that the EU-Turkey cooperation on migration should not be linked to the timing, content and conditions of the negotiation process. In fact "the only political solution to the Syrian crisis can be a viable response to the humanitarian crisis," says the text.
Regression in respect for fundamental freedoms
MEPs call on Turkey to take action to address the bullying methods of journalists, the violent and illegal taking over the management of several Turkish newspapers, most recently the Zaman. Regret for the "serious setback in the last two years for the freedom of speech, expression and opinion both online and offline in Turkey."
"In accordance with the commitment to the rule of law and the EU's fundamental values, Turkey should urgently implement reforms in the fields of judiciary and fundamental rights and justice, freedom and security", says the text.
Progress in talks on the reunification of Cyprus
Welcoming the significant progress made in talks to reunify Cyprus, MEPs express their support for the transformation of Cyprus into a "bicommunal, bizonal federation with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship with political equality between the two communities and equal opportunities for all citizens. "
The EC underlines that "non-settlement of the Cyprus issue affects the development of EU-Turkey relations" and invites all interested parties to make efforts to solve it.
Kurdish and peace process
MEPs call for an immediate ceasefire in southeastern Turkey and the resumption of the peace process. They call on the Turkish government to assume its responsibilities for the resumption of negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive and viable solution to the Kurdish question. The PKK, which is included on the EU list of terrorist organizations, must "lay down its arms, to abandon terrorist tactics and to use peaceful and legal means to express their expectations," says the EC.
The non-legislative resolution on Turkey's progress report for 2015 was approved with 375 votes in favor, 133 against and 87 abstentions.
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