Turkey's delegate says ties with CoE not severed
Turkey's delegate to the Council of Europe (CoE) Erdoğanİşcan claimed that relations between Turkey and the CoE are improving, saying that "Severing ties is out of the question."
İşcan said that the CoE has always contributed to the strengthening of democracy and the unification of democratic institutions in Turkey, one of the co-founders of the council. İşcan also noted that Turkey's membership in the council has contributed to improving and enforcing CoE standards.
Underscoring the importance of collaboration between the CoE and Turkey for the improvement of law and security in Europe, İşcan said that they expect Europe to interpret the recent developments in Turkey in a positive light, adopting a sensible approach to relations and continuing to support the country.
Regarding the harmonization with European standards, İşcan reminded that the top executives of Turkey, particularly President Erdoğan and Prime Minister Yıldırım, have always stated they will abide by and enforce the rule of law.
"Turkey has shown the political will for harmonization and its implementation. Experts are working with CoE officials to evaluate compliance with European standards and how they are implemented in Turkey," said İşcan.
In addition, İşcan said that there was a strong political dialogue between Turkey and the council, as Ankara is receiving feedback on aspects that should be improved.
Dismissing allegations that ties between the CoE and Turkey are being severed, İşcan highlighted that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Çavuşoğlu visits the city of Strasbourg twice a month to inform the CoE on specific relevant matters, pointing out that Turkey's Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ is scheduled to visit Strasbourg next week which is indicative of effective communication between the two parties. İşcan said that Turkey has shown its support to many member countries, along with CoE officials and reasserted that any alleged severance of ties is out of the question. İşcan added that Turkey regularly provides information to the CoE regarding apprehensions raised by the recent arrests of pro-PKK Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) deputies. "The constitutional change which came into effect on June 8 is democratic and legitimate.
İşcan said that the CoE has always contributed to the strengthening of democracy and the unification of democratic institutions in Turkey, one of the co-founders of the council. İşcan also noted that Turkey's membership in the council has contributed to improving and enforcing CoE standards.
Underscoring the importance of collaboration between the CoE and Turkey for the improvement of law and security in Europe, İşcan said that they expect Europe to interpret the recent developments in Turkey in a positive light, adopting a sensible approach to relations and continuing to support the country.
Regarding the harmonization with European standards, İşcan reminded that the top executives of Turkey, particularly President Erdoğan and Prime Minister Yıldırım, have always stated they will abide by and enforce the rule of law.
"Turkey has shown the political will for harmonization and its implementation. Experts are working with CoE officials to evaluate compliance with European standards and how they are implemented in Turkey," said İşcan.
In addition, İşcan said that there was a strong political dialogue between Turkey and the council, as Ankara is receiving feedback on aspects that should be improved.
Dismissing allegations that ties between the CoE and Turkey are being severed, İşcan highlighted that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Çavuşoğlu visits the city of Strasbourg twice a month to inform the CoE on specific relevant matters, pointing out that Turkey's Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ is scheduled to visit Strasbourg next week which is indicative of effective communication between the two parties. İşcan said that Turkey has shown its support to many member countries, along with CoE officials and reasserted that any alleged severance of ties is out of the question. İşcan added that Turkey regularly provides information to the CoE regarding apprehensions raised by the recent arrests of pro-PKK Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) deputies. "The constitutional change which came into effect on June 8 is democratic and legitimate.
Last Update: November 14, 2016 22:51