BRUSSELS (A.A) - 06.05.2002 - EU Commission sources said on Monday that changing name of the terrorist organization PKK, which has been included in the EU list of terrorist organizations, into Kurdistan Freedom and Democracy Congress (KADEK) has not been overlooked.
EU Commission Spokesman Gunnar Wiegard had earlier said that the EU decided to include PKK and DHKP-C in the EU list of terrorist organizations, and that the name ''KADEK'' was not included to the list for the moment, but it could be included soon.
The spokesman had added that a ''consensus was reached about PKK among EU countries. If there is a successor of PKK, EU countries can also include the new name to the list. Those organizations which are successors of ETA and those which are related with ETA were taken to the list. For the moment, EU countries only wanted to include PKK to the list.''
EU Commission spokesmen said that the list of EU terrorist organizations had a lasting character, that the list could be renewed any time and that the negotiations on it were carried out secretly.
EU spokesmen said that the supporters of the terrorist organization PKK announced their changing of name in Brussels on April 16 and they saw that the names PKK and KADEK were integrated in all verbal and written statements issued after that. They noted that documents proving this link was conveyed to them by Turkey and certain EU member states.
Turkey pursues a cautious approach following the inclusion of PKK and DHKP-C in the list last week and it wants to see what is done in practice.
Wiegard said that the common attitude of EU to terrorists was officially determined and that the responsibilities belong to member states.
The sanctions against the persons and organizations which are included in the EU list change according to the laws of each EU member country.
EU sources say that the EU member states could not still have a common attitude in fight with terrorism and that certain countries are expected to take legal measures.
The Commission spokesman said that certain countries submit very serious and regular reports, while others stay indifferent.
In countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands, there are no laws that define terrorism and accept it as a crime.