Press releases
EUTCC welcomes Joost Lagendijk’s statement regarding regional autonomy14 November 2008 EUTCC welcomes Joost Lagendijk’s statement regarding regional autonomy Recent violence in Turkey regarding the Kurdish issue demonstrates the need for renewed commitment on the part of all involved parties to seek a peaceful solution. On November 4, Joost Lagendijk, the co-chair of the Turkish-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission, suggested that Turkey should consider regional autonomy to help solve its Kurdish problem. Lagendijk explained that such regional autonomy in many EU states did not imply separatism, so "I don’t mean it in the sense of separatism, which would harm the country’s unity." Lagendijk also pointed out that "the booklet on the ‘Democratic Autonomy Project’ prepared by the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party, or DTP may find supporters in the EU." Lagendijk added, however, that "it depends on Turkey to embrace such a system and the EU can’t intervene in the subject." Lagendijk also criticized AKP for failing to realize the promised reforms regarding freedom of speech, minorities, the Kurdish issue, and the military’s role in civilian politics at a time when Turkey was seeking EU membership. The EU Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC) welcomes and supports the co-chair of the Turkish-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission Joost Lagendijk’s statement concerning regional autonomy. We also strongly advice Turkey not to close down the democratically elected DTP which would be a major set back for the democracy process in Turkey. EUTCC calls on the EU and the international community to support the idea of regional autonomy in southeast as a means to promote a peaceful political solution on the conflict.
On behalf of the EUTCC board of Directors Kariane Westrheim, Chair Hans Branscheid, Board of Directors Michael Gunter, Board of Directors
For further information Kariane Westrheim Menneskerettighetenes plass 1 5007 Bergen, Norway Telephone: +47 976 42 088
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