Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-10-24-Speech-3-220"
| Predicate | Value (sorted: default) |
|---|---|
| rdf:type | |
| dcterms:Date | |
| dcterms:Is Part Of | |
| dcterms:Language | |
| lpv:document identification number |
"en.20011024.9.3-220"2
|
| lpv:hasSubsequent | |
| lpv:speaker | |
| lpv:spoken text |
"Mr President, I would also like to pay tribute to Mr Lamassoure's excellent work as rapporteur.
Although I have been a constant critic of Turkey's human rights record and its treatment of the Kurds, I also strongly support the decision of the 1999 Helsinki European Council to recognise Turkey as an candidate country. I do not agree with those who believe the boundaries of Europe should be narrow and exclusively Christian. I want to see a pluralistic Europe. I have always believed that Turkey could be a very important bridge-head between the current Members of the EU and the Islamic world. This would facilitate greater understanding and mutual respect. It is especially important in the changed world that exists after 11 September.
However, Turkey still has a long way to go. In last year's annual assessment report the Commission concluded that, although a wide-ranging debate on political reforms had begun and Turkey had signed several international human rights instruments over the past year, the situation on the ground had hardly improved. Let us hope that the publication of next month's annual report will show significant improvement. In this context, I welcome the recent decision by the Turkish parliament to adopt a constitutional reform package to bring Turkey further in line with the
At the launch of the EU-Turkish Foundation of 17 October, Commissioner Verheugen said that these reforms are a significant step towards better protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Turkey.
It is clear that continued support for a closer EU-Turkey relationship, including eventual accession, is the best way to accelerate political reform and progress in human rights. However, the timetable for possible accession lies in Turkish hands alone. Negotiations can only begin when Turkey fulfils the Copenhagen criteria. It must strive harder to fulfil its obligations in that regard."@en1
|
| lpv:spokenAs | |
| lpv:unclassifiedMetadata |
Named graphs describing this resource:
The resource appears as object in 2 triples