AVRUPA KONSEYİ PARLAMENTER MECLİSİ

OCAK 2005 GENEL KURUL TOPLANTISI ESNASINDA

TÜRK DELEGASYONU ÜYELERİNİN YAPTIĞI KONUŞMALAR

(24-28 Ocak 2005)

Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Georgia

Mr MEVLÜT ÇAVUŞOĞLU (Turkey) ­– I thank the rapporteurs for this comprehensive and enlightening report.  It touches on the sensitive issues and probleMs facing Georgia today: constitutional issues, the status of the Adjaria autonomous republic, political conflicts such as those in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the fight against corruption, and last but not least, the plight of the Meskhetian Turks.  It is those issues that we expect our Georgian friends to tackle in the near future.  However, I take this opportunity to remind our Georgian colleagues that our aim is to help Georgia to reinforce political stability and democratic security, which in turn will contribute to the promotion of peace and stability throughout the Caucasus.  I want to address two specific issues to which the report refers: the plight of the Meskhetian Turks and the status of Adjaria.

Of the Soviet peoples who were expelled from their motherland in the 1940s during the Stalin era, the Meskhetian Turks are the only group who have not been able to return to their homeland.  Most of these people are living under very difficult conditions and are still waiting for the day when they can return.  When you talk to them, you sense their conviction that being able to do so is a basic right, which has been taken away for no reason but which will be returned one day when justice is done.

We are fully aware of the difficulties that Georgia has been facing; they are all in the report.  However, we do not believe that such difficulties constitute an argument for not fulfilling the obligation to repatriate the Meskhetian Turks.  Therefore, I fully agree with the rapporteurs in recommending that the Georgian authorities create without further delay the appropriate legal, administrative and political conditions for the repatriation of the Meskhetian community to their homeland.  Work should begin immediately on fulfilling that obligation.  Turks should not be deprived of their basic rights and should be given the chance to become loyal Georgian citizens and serve as another cultural bridge between Turkey and Georgia.

I want to emphasise the legal aspect of repatriation.  Completing the legal framework on repatriation is of utmost importance, as that will be a litmus test of the government’s political will on the issue.  The honouring of Georgia’s obligation is already four years overdue.  If the Georgian Government really wants to do something, its first step is to finalise the law on repatriation.  We Turkish parliamentarians are ready to extend our help on that issue.  We have established a commission in the Turkish Parliament to discuss issues related to repatriation and to co-operate with the Georgian authorities.

It is very important to note that the status of Adjaria is stipulated by international treaty.  The Treaty of Kars in 1921was agreed among Turkey and the Governments of the Soviet socialist republics of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Russia.  In 1992, following the declaration of Georgia’s independence, Turkey and Georgia referred to the Kars Treaty and confirmed its validity when they signed the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Co-operation.  Therefore, Adjaria’s status was revalidated and recognised by Georgia.  As a result, the matter cannot be seen as an entirely internal affair in Georgia.

As the rapporteurs state, and as the Venice Commission’s report affirms, the recent constitutional changes provide for the excessive interference of Georgian state organs in the affairs of the autonomous province.  The excessively limited autonomy fails to comply with the commitment undertaken on Georgia’s accession.  That should be revised and Adjaria’s autonomy restored.

In conclusion, I reiterate that, as Turkey is a neighbour of the Caucasus, the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and political unity of Georgia are of crucial importance to my country.  We sincerely wish that the Caucasus becomes a region of peace, stability and prosperity.  In that regard, the stability of Georgia is an indispensable component of the stability of the Caucasus.

The conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference

Mr CAVUŞOĞLU (Turkey). – I thank the rapporteur for the excellent and balanced work he has done.  The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the problem of the Armenian occupation of almost 20% of Azerbaijani territory have awaited a peaceful solution for more than a decade.

This issue constitutes one of the principal obstacles to peace, stability and co-operation not only between two countries but also in the South Caucasus.

There is also a huge humanitarian aspect to the problem.  The conflict has caused hundreds of thousands of persons to leave their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh and in the occupied territories.  These people are living under miserable conditions and are still waiting for the day when they will go back to their homes.

We have to admit that international efforts have fallen short of bringing a solution to the conflict for more than a decade. Azerbaijan continues to suffer from the consequences of the occupation.

As the rapporteur points out, there are grave violations of a state’s obligations as a member of the Council of Europe.  Armenia still refuses to comply with the relevant UN resolutions and to abide by international law and principles.  Given this fact, I believe that the international community should assume more responsibility in the peaceful resolution of this conflict.  We, as members of this august body, must exert more pressure on our governments to persuade Armenia to withdraw from occupied territories.  Yerevan has to understand that developing good-neighbourly relations will no doubt serve in her own interests better than pursuing aggressive and hostile policies towards her neighbours.  Similarly, Armenians have to understand that they are losing more than they are gaining on policies of enmity.

As a neighbouring country to the South Caucasus and a member of the Minsk Group, Turkey has a special interest in the establishment of a lasting peace and stability in the region.  This would serve the interests of all parties and enhance the stability of all the Euro-Atlantic region and Eurasia.  The peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict would also positively contribute to regional co-operation as well as to the normalisation of Turkish-Armenian relations.

With this understanding, we have also informed the Azeri and the Armenian sides at the governmental level that Turkey could make certain concrete contributions to the confidence-building measures, should the Azeri and the Armenian sides agree on measures to be implemented for facilitating the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

On the other hand, Turkey initiated a trilateral meeting process among the Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia in order to contribute to the diplomatic efforts for the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  The first meeting of this process was held in May 2002, and the second in June 2004 during the NATO Istanbul Summit.

Our hope is that the international community and the governments of member countries also assume more responsibility to create a fertile ground for the resolution of this long-standing conflict.

the protection of human rights in Kosovo,

Mr M. ÇAVUŞOĞLU (Turkey). – Regrettably, the situation in Kosovo continues to be a source of concern despite the efforts of the international community to establish peace and security in the region. The bloody events of last March brought the fragile peace to the brink of collapse. Our debate is therefore very timely. This is an extremely important issue that concerns many people. The increasing number of people suffering hardship brings the humanitarian aspect to the forefront and reveals the need to take urgent action. I thank Mr Lloyd on behalf of the EDG for having so successfully raised this important issue.

The key problems to be faced in Kosovo in the coming period are the consolidation of security throughout the country and the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Ensuring free movement of people within Kosovo also presents a great challenge. The issue of missing persons is another major problem.

All those factors have led to the deterioration of the human rights situation in the region. The basic problem in Kosovo today concerning the legal system is the uncertainty that stems from its undetermined status and the existence of parallel legal and administrative structures.

The establishment of a functioning legal and political system, including the mechanisms needed to protect human rights, is crucial for a multi-ethnic, representative and pluralistic democracy in Kosovo. As the report says, an improvement in the human rights situation can be ensured only be establishing effective human rights mechanisms and institutions in Kosovo.

We extend our support for the report and recommendations, which are designed to reinforce the system for protecting human rights in Kosovo. In particular, I cannot but subscribe to the proposal for the establishment of a human rights court and all the other structures relevant to protecting human rights. I am convinced also that a study on the possible extension of the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights to the inhabitants of Kosovo would be useful.

While I thank the rapporteur once again for his work, we believe the active involvement of the Council of Europe in co-operation with other international organisations will also contribute to the establishment of a democratic and peaceful order, respecting the human rights of the people of Kosovo.

Prospects for peace in the Middle East

Mr TEKELIOĞLU (Turkey). – Mr Chairman, distinguished colleagues, Mr Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) was elected as the new Palestinian President.  This will represent a fundamental change in the longstanding Palestinian leadership.

This new phase of the Palestinian political life will present new opportunities for all concerned.  But there will also be challenges.  If Abu Mazen can establish a strong leadership with his friends,  the road to peace will become more tangible.

Realistically, we should remain aware that there will be efforts both within and outside the Palestinian areas to undermine the new leadership.  Radicals from both sides may again resort to their violent tactics if they see the rapprochement process endangering their vision of a Palestinian solution.  The Israeli Government, in turn, may again be inclined to respond to terror in the fashion that they have done for the last four years.

A new understanding between the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority should be reached to the effect that terror will not be allowed to derail the tentative process towards peace this time.

Prime Minister Sharon has succeeded in securing his Gaza-plus – settlements in northern  West Bank – disengagement plan.  We have noted the increasingly clear statements of Mr Sharon assuring us that this withdrawal is not a substitute for the implementation of the road map, which naturally entails in principle Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied territories.

The settlement policy of Israel on Palestinian land should be halted.  Therefore, the Quartet, under the US leadership, should help the parties to co-ordinate the smooth implementation of the Gaza withdrawal.  In tandem with this withdrawal process, the provisions of the long-delayed road map should also be put into effect in the order that they are charted.

The obligation of the Palestinian Authority to consolidate its security structures and to dismantle the terror network is certainly highly important, but it is not the only provision that stands to be fulfilled.  The Presidential elections that were held by the Palestinians is itself an indication that the Palestinian political reform has begun in earnest.  It is also important that the elections were held in a Muslim state.  Palestinian efforts to reform should be encouraged in all platforms.  Israel should facilitate these efforts.

Israel should also understand that so long as the Palestinian Authority and people are humiliated by the daily coercive practices of the IDF and their security capabilities are further impaired, it will become more difficult for even the best meaning Palestinian leader to carry on with the needed changes.

Democratisation of Palestinian political life is important, but we must be aware that this undertaking will be carried on in an occupied land.  Responsibilities are mutual.

Turkey stands ready to assist the peace process politically and materially.  In fact, we have recently stepped up our contributions.  These contributions are also designed to alleviate daily Palestinian lives.

Turkey, with the consent of the parties, will be ready to join the Quartet bodies designed to facilitate and monitor the implementation of the road map.

Our Minister of Foreign Affairs visited the region during 3-5 January 2005 and transmitted these messages to the parties.  We strongly encourage them to seize the opportunity and to take the necessary steps that will lead to the revitalisation of the peace process.

Establishment of a European remembrance centre for victims of forced population movements and ethnic cleansing

Mr CEBECI (Turkey). – The goal of overcoming prejudices and favouring reconciliation by promoting impartial studies of history will certainly contribute to the creation of a common European memory.  Remembrance of the tragic historical events in an impartial and objective manner will certainly contribute to prevention of their re-occurrence.  This reality becomes more evident at a time when we are commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the Holocaust.

Population transfers and examples of ethnic cleansing are not new phenomena, and they cannot be attributed to any one political or economic system.  It is also a fact that, in the past, international reactions to this kind of population movements have been limited and generally evaluated in the light of the ideologies and alliances of the parties concerned.

I would like to draw your attention to an important point, which may have a vital role in the credibility and hence the success of such a centre.  The centre should promote comprehensive and impartial studies of European history, since only by such studies can a common history and reconciliation be achieved and respect for the rights of the victims be maintained.

Such a remembrance centre must not create conditions that would revive the historical enmities and must not be a tool of politics and ideologies.  Otherwise, the noble goal of this centre – namely, the reconciliation and building of a common history – will disappear and the centre itself will become a centre of conflict.

I should respond to the claims that were brought up by Rapporteur Einarsson and our Armenian colleagues regarding the tragic events of 1915-16.  The tragedy that was imposed upon both Armenians and Turks during the First World War was sad enough, but to use this as a political tool is even sadder.  We cannot try to re-write our version of history.  Moreover, we should not try to legislate history; that is the job of the historians.

I also oppose the perverse interpretation of the 1974 Turkish intervention in Cyprus as an invasion.  I would like to remind my colleagues that Turkey intervened to save the Turkish Cypriots from annihilation, acting under its obligation as a guarantor state as recognised by the Zurich and London Treaties that created the now defunct Republic of Cyprus.  I strongly oppose this kind of political manipulation.  The centre should be protected from such attempts that can undermine its entire credibility.

In conclusion, we should all do our best to maintain the proposed centre’s impartiality and objectivity, thus ensuring its credibility.

Europe and the tsunami

Mr Mevlüt ÇAVUŞOĞLU (Turkey). – We were all shocked by the tsunami disaster that hit Southeast Asia a month ago and caused such great human and material losses. We share the grief of the countries that it struck. I want to express my gratitude to the rapporteur on behalf of the European Democratic Group for the excellent report and draft resolution that she prepared in a relatively short time. I also thank all colleagues for accepting this urgent debate.

As the report rightly underlines, the world in general and European countries in particular have shown solidarity with Southeast Asia in coping with the consequences of the tsunami disaster. We have witnessed an unprecedented flow of aid to the affected countries. We are all pleased to see that Southeast Asia has not been deserted when it most needed the aid and assistance of the international community. That is the only positive note in this devastating disaster.

We believe that this debate also serves to show our solidarity as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe with the people and countries of Southeast Asia. I hope that our debate and the resolution that we will adopt will help to lessen their suffering.

As delegates will know, tourism is a major source of income for the region, and it has suffered badly from the destruction and disruptions caused by the tsunami. Our Sub-Committee on Tourism Development should closely follow and support the international relief efforts in general and in the tourism sector in particular. It is important that all the commitments and pledges made following the disaster be honoured. It is equally important that the international aid should reach all those who need it. Both those elements should be monitored.

I want to mention the exemplary position taken by Japan, an Observer state to the Council of Europe. It has made good use of its proximity to the region and given it the benefit of its experience of natural disasters.

As the draft resolution says, there should be no place for discrimination in the distribution of aid on racial, ethnic, religious or other grounds. Furthermore, children and other vulnerable groups must be protected. We believe that the resolution will make an important contribution in that respect.