Message by Bianca Jagger

I am delighted that the EU Turkey Civic Commission has been established to monitor Turkey’s compliance with European standards of democracy and human rights. I am also pleased that the commission has organised this important conference in Brussels and at this important point in time. I can only regret that I am unable to attend, due to other commitments.

We, as representatives of civil society must continue our struggle for genuine changes in Turkey, a new Turkey where the rights of Kurds are recognised, and not suppressed, where cultural diversity is looked upon as enriching, rather than as a threat against society, and where human rights become a reality for all, not just words.

I wish this conference great success in working for a lasting, democratic solution of the Kurdish problem, for the benefit of all who live in Turkey, and in the wider region.

September 19, 2005

Yours sincerely

Bianca Jagger
Goodwill Ambassador of the Council of Europe