TURKIYE- Columnist Rahim Er writes on the latest report accepted by the European Parliament regarding the Armenian allegations. A summary of his column is as follows:
Yesterday the European Parliament decided to accept the Armenian allegations. Furthermore, acting upon the 'Human Rights in Turkey' issue it suggested that we not shut down the People's Democratic Party (HADEP). Our judicial organs have the final say on the issue as the rule of law prevails in Turkey. Turkish intellectuals believe that political parties, which were not involved in terrorism, whatever their tendency may be, should not be closed down. In fact, the closure of these parties serves no purpose. Turkish intellectuals suggested that HADEP should become a political party instead of a representative for one ethnic group. Intellectuals of Kurdish origin also accept the correctness of this approach. However, whatever its purpose, the European Parliament (EP) is applying double standards on the issue. While representatives belonging to other European parties are being tried, the EP takes no notice of this. It should not ignore any of them, but should not intervene either. Politics and the law should not be mixed. These are Turkey's internal problems. Such considerations lead us to ask does the EP want anti-EU currents in Turkey to gain strength? Is it the duty of the EP to dredge up historical events using the groundless allegations of one side, or rather to act with moderation in supporting peace? If such a decision does not foster any secret goal for the future, what purpose will it serve apart from deepening old grudges? When some Hinchak or Tashnak militants shed blood, fury will rise in Turkey. Almost a century has passed since the incidents that are alleged. The regimes have changed. No one approves of genocide, whatever the cause or whoever the perpetrator. Yesterday Turks did not approve of it, nor do they approve of it today, nor will they do so tomorrow. When the situation can be summarized thus, why does the EP use the Kurdish and Armenian cards against Turkey? Turks in Turkey have no problems with either citizens of Kurdish or Armenian descent. We have lived on the same territories for centuries and will continue to do so. There is no need for intervention from abroad. Furthermore, these actions do not seem to bear goodwill towards Turkey. This all makes one wonder if the EU wants Turkey as a member or not.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION