EU resolution on Turkey helps long term relationship

3.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 3rd Oct 2007

The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee has voted on a key resolution on EU-Turkey relations. The Alliance of Liberal and Democrats group which includes UK Liberal Democrat MEPs supported the compromise reached by all the major political groups. The resolution focuses on change going on in Turkey and it welcomes the result of the recent presidential elections, calls on Turkey to continue its constitutional and human rights reforms and calls for the Turkish penal code, particularly article 301, to be altered.

London Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford, who participated in the vote and is a strong supporter of Turkey's EU accession bid, said:

"These reforms will foster a positive relationship between the European Union and Turkey. Although essential in any case for citizens of Turkey to be able to enjoy all the advantages of a modern European liberal democracy, they also strengthen the hand of Turkey's EU friends in urging progress towards EU membership."

"I am pleased that the compromise addresses the Kurdish question and taking on board an amendment from me, 'urges the new government to launch a political initiative favouring a lasting settlement of the Kurdish issue and to work...on significant improvements of the social, economic and cultural life' of the South East."

"I also welcome an amendment that was passed expressing concern about the social and environmental effects, as well as impact on neighbouring countries, of the GAP, the South Anatolian Project of dams. This vast project should be subjected to strict European-type tests of feasibility."

"There is real potential for the new Turkish government to strengthen and protect fundamental human rights, as well as the rule of law. The European Parliament's resolution notes all the encouraging developments while also calling on Turkey to act more strongly to end the violation of women's rights, especially through so-called 'honour crimes '."