Press releases
Second International Conference on EU Turkey and the KurdsPRESS RELEASE: For immediate release: 9 September 2005 European Parliament Conference, Brussels, 19-20 September 2005 In November 2004 the Rafto Foundation, Kurdish Human Rights Project and medico international hosted the first conference on EU Turkey and the Kurds in the European Parliament. As an outcome of this historic event, these organisations and the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales established a standing Civic Commission, the EU Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC). On December 17, 2004 Turkey was granted a date for starting formal EU membership negotiations. It was decided that Turkey met the required standards for EU membership and the talks would commence on October 3 2005. The EUTCC favours Turkish EU membership as we believe it is an opportunity to transform Turkey into a stable democracy and bring a lasting solution to the Kurdish question. It is vital, however, that Turkey are not admitted EU membership before the country have implemented the reforms necessary to meet the Copenhagen Criteria. This includes consultation and dialogue with Kurdish representatives. By hosting a second international conference on EU Turkey and the Kurds, the EUTCC wishes to provide another democratic platform and contribute to the ongoing dialogue between the EU and Turkey. The conference will bring together non-governmental organisations, members of the European Parliament, Turkish, Kurdish and European politicians, academics and writers, focusing especially on human rights, democratic reform and the situation for the Kurds. The conferences findings will be published and presented to the European Commission. The conference thus presents an opportunity for NGOs and individuals with regional expertise to highlight to decision makers the successes and failures of the Turkish Governments reforms. For further information, please contact Advisory Council |