A European Parliament delegation, in Turkey investigating prison incidents,
meets HADEP deputy leader Ahmet Turk and party executives. HADEP
deputies express their will to contribute to Turkey's accession to the EU
 

Jan 27, 2001
Mert Gozde

Ankara - Turkish Daily News

Meeting the European Parliament delegation, which is in Turkey investigating prison
incidents, People's Democracy Party (HADEP) executives stated that they were in
favor of Turkey's accession to the European Union and said that their party was
ready to contribute regarding this particular issue.

HADEP deputy leader Ahmet Turk, and assistants Osman Ozcelik, Mehmet Metiner,
Kemal Pekoz, party member Ismail Goldas and Istanbul Provincial leader Dogan
Erbas met the EU Left Group. The six-person EU delegation, comprising of
parliamentarians and deputies from Greece, Denmark and Sweeden, asked
HADEP deputies for their views regarding prisons, democratization, the Kurdish
issue, and Turkey's approach to EU.

HADEP deputy leader Osman Ozcelik stated opinions as voiced by deputies of the
party.

'Ward System could be abandoned'

Prisons: The F-Type prisons are not suitable models in terms of the Turkish
traditional way of living and the Turkish social structure. We are highly concerned that
this model is aimed at mere isolation and we are strongly opposed to that. On the
other hand, we are also aware of the fact that the F-Type is a result of a governmental
decision and therefore can not be changed. The ward system could well be cancelled
but F-Type prisons should be socially improved. The common areas should be
enlarged. Social areas should be arranged where 8, 10 or 15 convicts could meet to
socialize from time to time. We do not approve the intervention operations made and
we protest the action taken. Since so many people died during the operation which
was supposed to save lives it is impossible to claim that the operation fulfilled its
aim.

'Education in our native language does not upset the unitary structure'

Kurdish Issue: We insist that the Kurdish problem be solved in a democratic way.
The use of the Kurdish language, Kurdish TV and Kurdish radio broadcasting are not
a threat to the unitary structure of the state. Education and broadcasting in the native
Kurdish language and developing Kurdish culture within the unitary structure of the
state should be regarded as a Kurd's natural right. We cannot understand why the
state obstructs broadcasting in Kurdish. Genuine unity can only be ensured by means
of mutual trust and relationships based on respect. A mentality based on shunning,
denying and totally ignoring can only cause the emergence of separatism, and sow
the seeds of hatred. HADEP does not hold separatist thoughts, on the contrary, we
believe that a unitary structure under equal rights and opportunities will ensure the
stability of peace in Turkey through the democratization process.

'Turkey should have a chair in the EU'

Turkey's approach to the EU: Although some factions in Turkey are against EU
membership, the majority of people are pro-EU integration. Turkey's accession to the
EU might cause some financial problems but we believe that it will contribute to the
democratization process and the formation of peace and tranquility.
Democratization, the prevention of human rights violations and the stability of peace
are only possible when Turkey has reached European standards. Therefore we are
in favor of Turkey's accession to the EU and we, as HADEP, are ready to serve this
purpose. The fact that the Armenian bill was put on the agenda during this process
has highly pleased those against EU membership both within Turkey and abroad.
We do not think that the Armenian bill came at an appropriate time. Do not take
these statements the wrong way, we do not think that those events and painful
experiences should be simply forgotten. However, the fact that this issue was put on
the agenda during this period will not help people get over the pain. On the contrary,
it will only make Turkey hesitant in European foreign relations, and may encourage
Turkey to turn to the Middle East rather than Europe. If Turkey is lead to the Middle
East this will not be beneficial at all for Turks, Kurdish people or other ethnic groups.
Therefore we attribute a high level of importance to Turkey's integration into the EU.
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The Kurdistan Observer
www.kurdistanobserver.com