12
Sep
2023
Watch
2022 Report on Türkiye (debate)
Mr President, Commissioner, we are well aware of Turkey and Erdogan, as well as the hypocritical attitude of the European Union, in order to serve its commercial, economic and geopolitical purposes. In Turkey, the rule of law and human rights are being violated, prisons are being filled with political prisoners, electoral processes are being rigged, the Kurdish community is being brutally repressed. A classic definition of an authoritarian state. In addition, Turkey's provocative and illegal actions abroad continue. Syria, Libya, migration, continued occupation of Cyprus, settlement of Varosha, violation of the buffer zone in Pyla, demand for two states, persecution of our progressive Turkish Cypriot compatriots. I would remind you, Commissioner, that if there are two sides in Cyprus, these are the Republic of Cyprus on the one hand and the occupying power on the other. So what do you guys do? What does Europe do? Are you cutting him off for membership? He doesn't want it, and neither do you, to be honest. But you are falling at Erdogan's feet to enlarge NATO, to get away from Putin, to align with the Union's foreign policy. And you offer him gifts, gifts that are expensive. A special relationship of upgrading the customs union without respecting the existing, visa liberalization, gold trading. Things unacceptable, as it will have no obligation neither the Cyprus problem to resolve, nor democracy to build, nor to stop behaving like a pirate in the Mediterranean. But we feel that we have obligations towards European citizens and you towards your history. Is that what you want? Is this a principled policy? I don't think so.