DIYARBAKIR - Guenter Verheugen, the European Union (EU) Commissioner for enlargement, said on Monday that the Union thought that economic, political and cultural reform process in Turkey was important, and noted that nobody or nothing should have a negative effect on this process.
Verheugen visited Osman Baydemir, the Mayor of southeastern province of Diyarbakir.
In the meeting, Baydemir said that Turkey was facing an important turning point regarding its relations with the EU, and Verheugen's visit was therefore important.
Baydemir noted that Turkey had seized two opportunities in 1999, and went on saying, ''one of them is the end of 15-year clashes in our region, and the move of the Kurdish militants to lay down arms, and the other is beginning of Turkey's EU process. Turkey has made very serious changes to about 60 laws within the scope of Accession Partnership Accord and National Program so far. And, this demonstrates that about 160 articles have been amended. Turkey has made very serious reforms in the last five years. Undoubtedly, these reforms reflect common will of all people living in Turkey.''
''Reforms have contributed to development of democracy in Turkey. Although there are some problems in practice, we think all our people have deserved to get a negotiation date (from the EU). And, I think that this (negotiation date) will not only speed up reform process but also help elimination of our problems in practice. Diyarbakir has the will and determination to prepare for the EU,'' Baydemir added.
-WE CAN CLEARLY SEE DEVELOPMENTS-
Following the meeting, Verheugen told reporters that his visit was very important and emotional for him.
Verheugen said, ''Kurdish issue was one of the most important and biggest problems when I prepared and submitted pre-accession strategy for Turkey five years ago. I couldn't visit Diyarbakir due to problems five years ago, but I can make this visit after this process. Of course, there are problems in practice. Although progress has been recorded, everything is not perfect, but we can clearly see the developments. All developments have been recorded thanks to Turkey's democratization as well as integration with the EU.''
EU Commissioner Verheugen expressed thought that the best way to protect political, cultural and social rights of Kurdish people could be possible by Turkey's integration with the EU.
''In fact, granting equal rights to all Turkish citizens was one of the preconditions laid down by the EU (before Turkey). We really think economic, political and cultural reform process is important. And, nobody or nothing should have a negative impact on this process and these efforts. Using violence should be banned. Violence is never a solution. I think that more important developments will be recorded for people of your city, and all citizens during (Turkey's) integration with the EU. Negotiations with the EU will start with recommendations and decision of the Commission. But, a report will be prepared before a decision is made. And, I would like to learn your views during my visit before I prepare this report,'' Verheugen added.
(BRC) 06.09.2004