WRITTEN QUESTION E-0263/98 by Yiannis Roubatis (PSE) to the Council (17 February 1998)

Subject: The systematic and provocative policy of increasing tension pursued by the Turkish Government

The policy of systematically increasing tension pursued by the Turkish Government in relation to Greece is jeopardizing the peace in a vital part of the European Union. For the second time over the last few months Turkish planes have attempted to buzz a plane carrying the Greek Foreign Minister. Within Turkey this policy by Ankara is encouraging extremist criminal elements which two days ago burned down an Orthodox church in Istanbul and murdered the sacristan.

Does the Council intend:

1. to make it clear to the relevant Turkish authorities that this behaviour sets an even greater distance between Turkey and the European Union and makes it impossible to include it among the countries which will be attending the European Conference?

2. to take measures to protect Orthodox churches in Turkey and the rights of citizens to freedom of expression in religious matters?

Answer (18 May 1998)

As regards relations between the EU and Turkey, the Luxembourg European Council on 12 and 13 December 1997, while confirming Turkey's eligibility for accession to the European Union, gave a reminder, in line with the Council's position stated at the meeting of the Association Council with Turkey held on 29 April 1997, that strengthening Turkey's links with the European Union also depended on that country's pursuit of the political and economic reforms on which it had embarked, including the alignment of human rights standards and practices on those in force in the European Union; respect for and protection of minorities; the establishment of satisfactory and stable relations between Greece and Turkey; the settlement of disputes, in particular by legal process, including the International Court of Justice; and support for negotiations under the aegis of the UN on a political settlement in Cyprus on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

The Luxembourg European Council also invited Turkey to participate in the European Conference whose opening session was held in London on 12 March 1998. Turkey is well aware that the members of the Conference must share a common commitment to peace, security and good neighbourliness, respect for other countries' sovereignty, the principles upon which the European Union is founded, the integrity and inviolability of external borders and the principles of international law as well as a commitment to the settlement of territorial disputes by peaceful means, in particular through the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice.

As regards the incidents referred to by the Honourable Member, the Council observed that, under the Treaty of Peace signed at Lausanne in July 1923, the Turkish Government has undertaken to grant full protection to the churches, synagogues, cemeteries and other religious establishments of non-Moslem minorities. The situation of democracy and human rights in Turkey, which include freedom of expression in religious matters, remains high on the Council's agenda. These issues are raised at virtually every meeting with the Turkish authorities.