Liberal Group At EP Against Closure Of Parties

BERLIN - The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), one of the political groups in the European Parliament, said Saturday it supports secularism in Turkey, but it is against closure of political parties.
The ALDE believes that all modern European states should behave in line with secularism and should not be affected by any religious formation, the group commented on the closure case against the Justice & Development (AK) Party.
Political disputes should be solved through political discussions and negotiations, not in court halls, the ALDE said.
It also said if the Turkish parliament, in which AK Party has the majority, accepts provisions against secular constitution, these provisions will be stopped and must be stopped by the Constitutional Court.
However, no individual or political formation can be punished for only their views, the group said.
The group also said only activities should be investigated, not thoughts.
Majority of Turkish citizens support secular state, but voted for AK Party in the last general elections, ALDE said.
ALDE also said the closure case of AK Party may weaken political stability in Turkey and the confidence of the Turkish people in constitutional order.
(BRC)