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EU report welcomed, but criticized for one-sided approach to Cyprus problem

18 April 2013 21:13 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. The latest European Parliament (EP) progress report on Turkey is not objective on the Cyprus problem although it fairly addresses positive developments in a number of fields in Turkey, hailing recent reforms, Ankara said late on Thursday, APA reports quoting Todays Zaman.

The EP resolution on the 2012 Progress Report on Turkey was voted on and adopted at the EP Plenary Session held in Strasbourg on Thursday.

Turkey said the report highlights a number of developments but still lacks an objective basis when it comes to the issue of Cyprus.

The resolution welcomes Turkey's adoption of the third and fourth judicial reform packages, while calling for further steps to narrow the broad definition of terrorism and shorten lengthy pre-trial detention periods.

The EP document highlights a number of positive steps taken in the field of reforms in the country, including the 4th Judicial Package, the Law on the Ombudsman and the appointment of the first ombudsman, the Law on the Establishment of the National Human Rights Institution, the Law on the Protection of Family and the Prevention of Violence Against Women and -- regarding property rights -- the amendments to the Law on Foundations, the statement from the Turkish foreign ministry noted.

While Ankara criticized the characterization of the situation created by Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist activities as an “armed conflict,” it welcomed the call on EU member states to increase their cooperation with Turkey in the area of combating terrorism.

“We also note that the terrorist activities perpetrated by the PKK, which is on the EU's list of terrorist organizations, are strongly condemned,” the statement read.

The EP on the same day rejected a motion calling for representation for Turkish Cypriots as observers in the institution, yet the proposal still has a chance to succeed as its proponents are now planning to take the matter to the governing body of the EP, the Conference of Presidents.

The proposal for Turkish Cypriot representation was discussed as part of parliamentary debates over the resolution on Turkey's annual report. The resolution, penned by Dutch parliamentarian Ria Oomen-Ruijten, was approved by a vote of 451-75.

On the topic of accession, the resolution calls on the EU to open negotiations with Turkey on Chapter 23, on the judiciary and fundamental rights, and Chapter 24, on justice, freedom and security, in order to accelerate reforms in these areas.

Turkey said it has welcomed the call and was keen to see any development regarding the accession negotiations.

The resolution also hails Turkey's efforts to fight “honor killings” and domestic violence as well as forced marriages and child brides. It voices concerns, however, that violence against women continues to occur. Active promotion of women's rights, education and participation in the labor market and in politics was needed, the resolution says.

Turkey's humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees is welcomed in the resolution, which also reiterates that the EU and Turkey should develop a joint strategic vision to end the crisis in Syria. It further calls on Turkey to develop its foreign policy in closer dialogue and coordination with the EU.

“These positive elements unfortunately do not alter the fact that the resolution also harbors biased and unacceptable aspects for us. For instance, the way in which the Uludere incident is portrayed in the resolution is far from being balanced and fair,” Turkey said in the statement. “Moreover, the EU's flawed and biased position regarding the Cyprus issue is regrettably echoed in the EP's resolution. We will under no circumstances accept unconstructive attitudes which ignore the sovereign rights of Turkish Cypriots. The EU can be of help to a solution on the island only by acting impartially and objectively.”

One of the issues criticized in the resolution is Turkey's relations with the EU during its 2012 Greek Cypriot presidency. It regrets that Turkey "missed an important opportunity to start a process of engagement and normalization of relations with Cyprus" during the period.