Sinn Fein challenge Turkish Minister on human rights abuses
Published: 2 November, 2006
Sinn Fein's Dublin Spokesperson on European Affairs Cllr. Daithi Doolan today challenged Turkish Minister for Economics, Ali Babacan, on his country's appalling human rights record.
Speaking at the National Forum on Europe, Cllr. Doolan said:
"Turkey has a long and appalling human rights history. It's ongoing occupation of Cyprus, jailing & torture of political activists, state executions and it's attempt to wipe out Kurdistan are all a matter on international record. These activities are the policy of a government which is now attempting to gain entry in to the European Union. Turkey's application can not be accepted until it's government can clearly show that it upholds civil and human rights to an international standard. To even consider it's application gives this government credibility it does not deserve."
Cllr. Doolan explained,
"Sinn Fein supports a European Union based of equality, justice an peace. We welcome new country's into the EU. But the Turkish government's application to join the EU is fraught with difficulty. It's unilateral embargo since 1987 on air and sea traffic from Cyprus flies in the face of the most basic understanding of the EU, that of free movement within EU states. This embargo must be lifted immediately pending a total withdrawal from Cyprus. Turkey must recognise Cyprus's right to independence and self determination.
The ongoing genocide of Kurds must end and the Turkish government must enter into negotiations with the Kurdish leadership to resolve this ongoing conflict. Minister Babacan's government must end state executions and it's ongoing jailing and torture of political activists. If the Turkish government took these steps then it could see progress on it's application for membership to the EU."
In conclusion Cllr. Doolan called on, "the Irish government to publicly demand that the Turkish government take the necessary steps and seriously clean up its human rights record before it's application to join the EU is considered."
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