ANKARA - Turkish Prime Ministry Human Rights Department Chairman Vahit Bicak received on Tuesday European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) rapporteurs.
Replying to questions of reporters after the meeting, ECRI's Turkey Rapporteur Vitalize Esposito of Italy said they were an independent commission and did not represent any country, adding that they would meet not only with statesmen but also with civil organizations in Turkey and get information.
Esposito said that they would prepare a draft report on Turkey after meeting with other public institutions and they would present it also to Turkey.
Meanwhile, Vahit Bicak said they had briefed the rapporteurs on arrangements in human rights field in Turkey and given statistical information.
Noting that they had held a beneficial meeting, Bicak added that they had informed the rapporteurs also on the steps taken in fight against racism.
The rapporteurs will prepare third report after their tour of countries including Turkey and convey the result to relevant countries.
(MS) 04.05.2004