AVRUPA KONSEYİ PARLAMENTER MECLİSİ EYLÜL GENEL KURUL OTURUMU

29 EYLÜL – 2 EKİM 2003, STRAZBURG

PROGRESS REPORT OF THE BUREAU AND THE STANDING COMMITTEE

    Mr MERCAN (Turkey). – It is a great honour to present the report on the activities of the Bureau and the Standing Committee. Allow me first to thank the Italian authorities for their great hospitality and the meeting in Naples, which was very well hosted. I thank in particular all the speakers for their interesting addresses, which you will find in the minutes of the Standing Committee.

          As you can see, the summer was very busy for some of us. However, I shall not go into the details of all the activities in the report; I want only to underline some of them.

          Before I do that, I want again to thank the President and the Secretariat for the well-prepared joint meeting with the European Parliament on Thursday afternoon. The low attendance on the part of the European Parliament was upsetting. The Council of Europe’s role in establishing democracy, human rights and the rule of law is indispensable to a greater Europe, so the European Parliament should pay due attention to such joint meetings. That institution is vital for the EU and greater Europe. Events such as the joint meeting are very important and the two institutions are complementary. For example, the European migration observatory project was initiated by our Committee on Migration, Refugees and Demography.

          As you know, the convention finalised the draft treaty on a constitution for Europe this summer, and its conclusions were welcomed on Thursday by the President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox, and by Mr Schieder, the President of our Assembly.

          The Intergovernmental Conference will open on 4 October in Rome, and according to the planned schedule, it is expected to be concluded before the end of the Italian presidency of the EU so that the final text can be signed in Rome early in May 2004 before the elections to the European Parliament.

          The Bureau therefore decided to conclude the activities of the ad hoc committee, but it decided nevertheless to follow the matter very closely. I take this opportunity to thank all the members of the ad hoc committee for their important work and, in particular, Mr van der Linden for his contribution.

          Following the invitation of the Committee of Ministers, the Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly, Mr Haller, participated in an exchange of views on the possible items for a third summit, during which he underlined the common points of view between the Committee of Ministers and our Assembly.

          Turning to Azerbaijan, I can tell the Assembly that Mr Gross and Mr Martínez Casañ, co‑rapporteurs for the monitoring, carried out a fact-finding mission to that country in July. In view of the forthcoming presidential election on 15 October, a pre-election delegation went to Azerbaijan on 15 and 16 September to assess the overall political climate in the country. On Friday the Bureau examined a written memorandum on the findings of the delegation presented by its leader, Mr Gross, which is appended to the present report.

          Although the delegation was gratified that the country’s electoral code had been amended to accommodate some of the important recommendations by the Venice Commission, which should, in principle, allow for good elections if the amended law is applied in good faith, it was concerned about the overall climate of mistrust and uncertainty and by the lack of a meaningful debate between candidates.

          The delegation was also concerned by the inequitable composition of the Central Electoral Commission, by the heavy media coverage in favour of the incumbent and his supporters, and by reports of intimidation, pressure and police brutality. The Bureau expects the authorities in Baku to follow the recommendations of the pre-election delegation and take immediate corrective action. In that context, the Bureau decided to set up a delegation of thirty-five members to observe the election on 15 October.

          I recall also that a pre-electoral delegation is going to Georgia from 7 to 11 October to assess the political climate before the parliamentary elections on 2 November. The Bureau took note of the agenda of the pre-electoral delegation, as well as the list of the members for the election delegation.

          The Bureau also held a discussion on the observations of the elections in Chechnya and decided finally that, given the difficult situation and the fact that it is impossible for observers to work in free conditions, it is not possible to send a delegation. However, the Bureau took note of the intention of the Rapporteurs of the Political Affairs Committee, the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights and the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Demography to go to Chechnya some weeks after the election. That may form part of the framework of the delegation that is going to observe the elections on 7 December.

          On Friday, the Bureau considered the question of opening a monitoring process for Liechtenstein. During a long and interesting exchange of views, the members discussed the opportunity, and many controversial arguments were presented. Following recent constitutional changes in the country, the members agreed to postpone the decision until the meeting in Paris on 6 November. They decided to invite at the same time the chairperson and rapporteurs of the committee to hold an exchange of views so that they can form concrete and objective arguments for making their final decision.

          Finally, I draw your attention to the next Joint Committee, the agenda of which includes, inter alia, the 2004 budget, for which we are waiting for supplementary information about the result of the meeting held in July 2003 with the permanent representatives of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, in which our President participated.

THREAT POSED TO DEMOCRACY BY EXTREMIST 

Mr MERCAN (Turkey). – I would like to congratulate both rapporteurs on well-structured, clear and well-targeted reports.

          Extremism in politics is in many cases gaining strength and finding new forms and means of expression.  Ethnocentrism, religious intolerance and the resurgence of the extreme right still exist and have the risk of leading to grave and massive violations of human rights in Europe.  Racism and intolerance may take different forms today, from “ethnic cleansing” to all forms of discrimination.

          The danger posed by some extremist movements, which seek justification for their actions in religion, is a serious challenge facing societies in today’s Europe.  Europe should be a continent where individuals can freely practise their religion.  At the same time, religious beliefs should never be used for political means, which may lead to discriminatory practices.  The history of humanity is full of examples of bloodshed in the name of religion.  It is therefore incumbent upon us to take all necessary measures to strengthen the harmony of civilisations.

          Secularism is the very basis of democracies.  It is the only system that provides necessary safeguards for the freedom of religion to individuals as well as for the smooth functioning of the state machinery.  It is also a safeguard against religiously motivated extremist movements and terrorism.  Therefore, I strongly believe that there should be no religion-based parties and that religion and political matters should be strictly separated.

          On the other hand, violence resulting from fanaticism involving some extremist movements is a direct threat to the very heart of democracies.  It leads to chaos, isolation in societies and distortion of political life.  The ideas that these movements and parties try to spread are contrary to the rule of law based on the equality and dignity of human beings.  One of the serious risks that extreme groups and movements pose to societies is that some societies are moving away from the concept and principles of justice, solidarity and equality.

          Therefore, I personally believe that there should be no dilemma for democracies in fighting extremism.  I cannot deny the fact that freedom of expression should be guaranteed for all in democratic societies.  However, those who try to flout democratic principles and human rights, mostly by resorting to violence and racist, xenophobic and intolerant discourse, cannot and should not be tolerated and should in no way be allowed to abuse universal democratic values.  Therefore, I agree with the approach taken by the rapporteur, Ms Feric-Vać, that “freedom of expression, assembly and association can be limited for the purpose of fighting extremism”, provided that such measures are in compliance with the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights.

          I also agree with the view expressed by the rapporteur that the tendency towards extremism should encourage all Council of Europe member states to be more vigilant than ever before.  Necessary safeguards should be introduced against the activity of some extremist groups that pose a real threat to democracies.  It is necessary that relevant political and administrative measures should be adopted so as to preserve the rule of law and human rights.

          I support the view that education and awareness-raising initiatives can provide an alternative to the simplistic doctrines of racial hatred and discrimination, by getting rid of prejudices in society.  It is also an important vehicle to make the public more aware of the dangers of xenophobic policies and intolerant views.

          With these thoughts in mind, I totally support and subscribe to both draft resolutions submitted by the rapporteurs, and again congratulate them on their valuable work.

RELATIONS BETWEEN THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE AND NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

          Mr YŰKSEL ÇAVUŞOĞLU (Turkey). – Let me thank, first and foremost, Mr Elo for his well-prepared report.

          We are all aware that the Council of Europe’s statutory aim is to achieve a closer unity between its members with a view to safeguarding and putting into effect its ideals and principles, and facilitating the economic and social progress of its members.  The achievement of this goal and the fulfilment of these missions require the utmost sensitivity to public opinion and to other driving forces in European society.

          The existence of an active civil society and involvement in civic issues is a vital component of European society.  I would rather describe it as an important and indispensable element of democracy.  In a pluralist democracy, civil society and its non-governmental organisations make an essential contribution to the development of democratic societies.  They play significant and constructive roles in promoting active participation of all citizens in the conduct of public life.  When civil society takes initiatives, promotes ideas and suggestions, they can be considered as the real expression of citizens.  Thus I can say with confidence that civil society makes an invaluable contribution to the promotion of a responsible democratic citizenship based on human rights and equality between peoples.  Therefore, I welcome the initiatives and concrete steps taken so far by the Council of Europe in developing productive working relations with civil society and its non-governmental organisations.

          Bearing in mind that the Council of Europe first created a consultative status for international non-governmental organisations in 1952, I would like to welcome the positive and encouraging results achieved so far in this co-operation pattern.  I have observed that it has largely permitted the development and strengthening of co-operation between the Council of Europe and some important sectors of our societies.

          I acknowledge the fact that more participatory status for the non-governmental organisations is needed in today’s world for much better co-operation.  I believe that the active participation of non-governmental organisations in Council of Europe works, and activities will facilitate better co-ordination by enabling non-governmental organisations to bring to the attention of the Council of Europe the effects of changes in, and problems facing, European societies.  This will also strengthen democratic pluralism.  Therefore, I can support the principle of changing consultative status to a participatory one for the international non-governmental organisations, provided that participatory status is limited to the most involved and effective international non-governmental organisations.  However, I strongly believe that we should act with caution in granting participatory status or concluding any partnership agreements with non-governmental organisations.

          To me, an enhanced co-operation pattern through suggested participatory status can be applied only where non-governmental organisations commit themselves to acting in a responsible, efficient and ethical manner.  In other words, enhanced status entails responsibilities as well as rights.  Therefore, we should be selective so as to remain fully consistent with the goals and main principles of our organisations.

          In this regard, Rapporteur Elo has rightly mentioned, for example, non-governmental organisations whose activities are incompatible with the principles of the Council of Europe, in such areas as the fight against racism and xenophobia.  I am in full agreement with his view that “no participatory status is granted or partnership agreement concluded with such non-governmental organisations”.

          If we are to achieve better co-ordination and co-operation with the international non-governmental organisations, we should continue to ensure full compatibility with the standards of the Council of Europe.

IMPACT OF THE MEXICO CITY POLICY ON THE FREE CHOICE OF CONTRACEPTION IN EUROPE

Mrs BİLGEHAN (Turkey) said that the “Mexico City policy” had serious negative effects for the dignity of women. The Council of Europe supported women’s fundamental rights, and the free choice of contraception was one such right. Furthermore, it was an integral part of international policies aimed at promoting equality between men and women. She hoped that the debate would draw this topical and important issue to the attention of the international community, especially the United States. Statistics on back-street abortions were terrible. They represented a serious public health problem and also undermined social cohesion.

She paid tribute to the Cairo programme and the Ottawa declaration. Turkey was active in both. Turkey legalised abortion in 1983 and had promoted family planning services. Information campaigns to back up government action were vital to educate society, in particular young people.

GENDER BALANCED REPRESENTATION IN THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

Mrs BİLGEHAN (Turkey) said it was necessary to think carefully about parity of representation. Parity between men and women was an important part of the Assembly’s work. She fully endorsed the view that women’s participation in political life was a key feature of democracy, which should be a clear concern for each member state. In Turkey, women’s representation was very low indeed. There was a need to change the pattern of thinking through a programme of education. Better representation in the Council of Europe might not be enough in the long term. It could be problematic to impose quotas for individual countries in some cases because of national laws. She asked for support for Mr Kroupa’s report and to improve the representation of women.

COMMON POLICY ON MIGRATION AND ASYLUM

Mr GÜLÇIÇEK (Turkey) said that security issues had been centre-stage following the events of 11 September 2001. Policies had been influenced by those events. But it should not be forgotten that many immigrants had enriched the societies to which they had come. Illegal immigration should not have an adverse effect on the rights of legitimate immigrants. Their rights should be supported. The report looked at illegal and legal immigration. Those were important topics which merited the continuous scrutiny of the Parliamentary Assembly.

Turkey was concerned about tackling the problem of the trafficking of people and had signed the relevant protocols. Technical measures were still necessary and were being worked on. For example, Turkey had changed its definition of people smuggling.

THE REFORM OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS IN EUROPE: RECONCILING EQUITY, QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY

Mr Mevlüt ÇAVUŞOĞLU (Turkey). – First, I extend my thanks and appreciation to the distinguished rapporteur, Mr Brînzan, for his comprehensive work on such an important issue. Reform of health care systems has always been a difficult undertaking, not only in Europe but in the other regions and nations. It confronts a variety of challenges presented by the rapid development of communication and medical technology, the need for cost containment and the focus on effectiveness and efficiency, the increase in demands for better services and changes in demographic and other social and economic factors.

An improved health care system is a tangible example of a nation’s commitment and responsibility to the welfare of its citizens, enabling them to live in sufficiently healthy conditions. As the distinguished rapporteur rightfully pointed out in his report, the reform of the health care system is, and remains, a continuous and, unfortunately, contentious process.

It is clear that the health care systems in western European countries are among the most developed in the continent in terms of equal access to care and the efficiency of the system. On the other hand, the situation is explicitly different and far from satisfactory in central and eastern European countries. The negative impact of the rapid transition to a market-oriented economy caused immense deficiencies in the reform process in this region.

Therefore, governments must pay particular attention to three scenarios presented by the rapporteur in his concluding remarks. Subscribing to the same target does not usually entail accepting the same means of action. No matter what strategy is adopted, the aims of the reform should be to provide health care that is based on evidence and focused on effectiveness and efficiency, to increase the availability of services, patient satisfaction and the quality care. In this context, promoting new and necessary organisational models for primary care and disease prevention using continuing education for better quality care and empowering citizens and local administrations to reform the health system constitute the priorities of our governments.

We have to urge our respective governments to take further action in the reform process. This report, with its draft recommendation, is an excellent guide to that end and deserves the support of the Assembly.

OECD AND THE WORLD ECONOMY

Mr AÇIKGÖZ (Turkey). – I thank our distinguished rapporteur, Mr Caccia, for his comprehensive report. I also welcome Mr Donald Johnston, the Secretary General of the OECD, and the organisation’s representatives, who are kindly sharing with us their invaluable views and participating in the debate.

Over the last century, the world has witnessed immense prosperity that has been shared by many. Never before have so many families been lifted out of poverty in just one or two generations; nor have freedom and democracy ever been shared so widely across so many countries. Economic progress has been truly remarkable.

At the same time we have witnessed consecutive financial crises as a result of wars, regional conflicts and corporate scandals. It has therefore become increasingly urgent to make globalisation work to the benefit of all, and today it is all too clear that it is not working as well as it should.

In the current working of financial systems, globalisation is evident in different forms and contents. When countries have solid fundamentals and constantly strive to improve them, globalisation makes a clear contribution in boosting investment, trade and growth on a sustainable basis. That is precisely why developing countries typically want more globalisation rather than less.

When fundamentals are weak, however, and governments neglect their duty to address those weaknesses, as we saw recently in Argentina and, in the last decade, in my country, the forces of globalisation can turn against a country for a time, aggravating the crisis and raising the social cost of delayed but inevitable policy reforms.

On the other hand, I fully share the rapporteur’s concerns about the slow growth of the world economy. The provisional version of the OECD Economic Outlook gives us a thorough picture of that growth trend. No matter that the individual assessments dwell on different aspects of that trend, we can all agree that the growth rate of the world economy is far from satisfactory and has not yet recovered from its slowdown in 2001.

As for long-term recovery, the activities of the OECD and the negotiations of the World Trade Organisation will certainly have a broader impact, despite the existence of some impediments. As I said, those include worries about oil prices, fear of terrorism and epidemics and loss of confidence in international governance. None the less, despite their overwhelming presence in the public debate, they should not overshadow important economic issues that will shape world recovery. I reiterate my gratitude to the Secretary General of the OECD for his sincere thoughts and commitments in that respect.

I stress that the failure of the fifth WTO ministerial conference is a matter of profound concern. Progress is being made in Cancún in Mexico on a wide range of issues, including agriculture negotiations. We all remember that this sector constitutes a core issue of the Doha development agenda. That progress must not be lost. All the actors, governments and non-governmental organisations in the world economy should play a constructive role. There is a need for multilateral co-operation, and I believe that the OECD will continue to play a leading role in that respect.

THE ROLE OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN IRAQ

Mr TEKELİOĞLU (Turkey). – Ever since the situation in Iraq entered a delicate phase, Turkey has been unambiguous in displaying its commitment to the principles governing its long-lasting relationship with that country. The countries of the Middle East have been in a cycle of violence and desperation for a long time. That should not be their destiny. The region is on the threshold of a new era. Challenges should be turned into opportunities.

The experience in Iraq has highlighted the fact that possessing rich natural resources alone is not enough. Those natural resources should be used rationally and effectively. They are the wealth and property of the Iraqi nation alone and should in no way be divided among the ethnic groups. The good of the people, the environment, the countries’ neighbours and the global circumstances should be borne in mind.

Iraq has entered a new phase. The challenge now is to make the restructuring process go hand in hand with the reconstruction of the country. The future regime in Iraq should be representative of and responsible to all its people. Any future political system should be determined with the participation and consent of the Iraqi people as a whole.

It is increasingly acknowledged in our region that progress is dependent on political and social factors as well as economic ones. We regard the entire population of Iraq – Arabs, Kurds and Turkomans – as friends and neighbours. We support the well-being of them all. Our efforts should be directed towards helping Iraq to get back on its feet as a peaceful country and a neighbour. Meeting the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people and restoring the basic services are of utmost importance.

In a future Iraq, the main responsibility will lie on the shoulders of the United Nations. It should assume the leading role in the post-war future of the country in trying to find a multilateral solution. Our sincere desire is to see a peaceful, secure and prosperous post-war Iraq, in which territorial integrity is intact. To that end, the international community must contribute more actively to the efforts of the United Nations in its central role of ensuring peace and stability and assisting in the reconstruction of the country. The widest possible participation of and contribution from the international community, through the UN effort, should be ensured.

As ensuring peace and security is of prime concern in Iraq, I believe that a new UN Security Council resolution, which would give a clear endorsement to the multinational stabilisation effort in Iraq, would be extremely helpful. Iraq is pivotal in the region. Its disintegration would certainly destabilise the region as a whole. At this critical stage, there is no alternative to successfully completing the transition process in the country. It must succeed on the basis of objectives set by the UN. Any diversion from the main goals – a unified, democratic and stable Iraq, free from terrorism and at peace with itself and its neighbours – would have adverse consequences for all in the region.

Mr ATEŞ (Turkey). – I thank Ms de Zulueta and the Political Affairs Committee for producing the report. I also thank the Assembly for deciding to hold this debate. Unfortunately, I can only reiterate our deep concern about the stability, security and future of Iraq. We want the United Nations to have wider responsibilities in the efforts to rebuild the country, but the United States of America is unwilling to give it much authority. As a neighbouring country, Turkey stands ready to extend our assistance to the United Nations in its activities in Iraq.

Turkey is the main artery for United Nations humanitarian assistance. We must be careful, however. The Iraqi people need to be assured that the crux of the international community’s effort is to bring peace, security, stability and prosperity throughout the country. Security and stability in Iraq and in the region as a whole will be possible only with the constructive contribution of the neighbouring countries, working in straightforward co-operation with the UN.

I sincerely want the Iraqi people to receive the security they deserve and to secure their well-being in all segments of society. I want a regime that is representative of, and responsible to, the entire population. Any political system in Iraq should be determined with the participation and consent of all the Iraqi population. It should certainly be up to the Iraqi people as a whole to decide what kind of system they establish in the long run.

We are not comfortable with the present form and composition of the Iraqi Governing Council and the newly formed council of interim ministers. The council members are not elected. Instead, they are selected by the occupying force. The Kurds and Shiites are privileged people in Iraq at the moment, but the Turkoman representation has been confined to only one seat in both bodies. However, Turkey will continue to offer a helping hand to the council and the ministers in performing their functions for the good of a united, territorially integral, free, stable and prosperous Iraq.

Iraq should remain as one country and one nation. Its ethnic and religious diversity should be an asset for its democratic pluralism, but its ethnic make-up should not be seen as something that allows each group to go its own way in a loosely constructed framework. Therefore, I strongly believe that the transitional arrangements, which are the first structural steps on the way to Iraqi political transition, should end as soon as possible. They need to be replaced by normal and extensive representative structures established through democratic ways and means.

The priority should be the adoption of a new constitution, acceptable to all communities, that establishes functional democratic institutions. The Council of Europe has an important role to play in achieving that, as my friend Mr van der Linden said. The international community should stand ready to extend assistance to support the leading role of the United Nations in the activities that it undertakes in Iraq. We should bear it in mind that current and future developments in Iraq will have much wider repercussions for the stability and security of the whole region.