EU Parliamentarian: Democracy Key to Resolving Kurdish Issue in Türkiye

Joost Lagendijk, co-chairman of the Türkiye-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission, told a round-table gathering in Diyarbakir that democratic governance is the essential path toward resolving the Kurdish question. The event was organized under a civil rights initiative focused on the southeastern region.

Lagendijk stressed that ongoing violence in the area discourages investment, and urged authorities to pursue economic and social development alongside political dialogue. He warned that improving living conditions for residents of the southeast is a prerequisite for Türkiye's full EU membership.

On the question of minorities, Lagendijk noted a definitional gap: while Kurds generally do not identify as a minority group, the EU classifies them as one. He called for stronger protections for Türkiye's Kurdish citizens. During his visit, Lagendijk also held separate meetings with Diyarbakir Governor Efkan Ala and Mayor Osman Baydemir.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in May 2006, in its own words.