Activities of Maria Eleni KOPPA related to 2013/2945(RSP)
Plenary speeches (1)
2013 progress report on Turkey (debate)
Amendments (10)
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9
Citation 9
– having regard to the fact that accession negotiations with Turkey were opened on 3 October 2005 and that the opening of such negotiations is the starting point for a long- lasting and open-ended process based on compliance with fair and rigorous conditionalitys and the commitment to reform,
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10
Citation 10
– having regard to the fact that Turkey has committed itself to the fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria, adequate and effective reforms, good neighbourly relations and progressive alignment with the EU; having regard to the fact that these efforts should be viewed as an opportunity for Turkey to continue its necessary process of modernisation,
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. WelcomesCalls for the immediate implementation of the democratisation package presented by the Government on 30 September 2013 and calls on the Government to duly consult the opposition and relevant civil society organisations in the preparation of the implementing legislation and to continue with its reform efforts towards revision of the electoral system, including the lowering of the 10% threshold, and the adequate inclusion of all components of Turkish society; calls on the Government to ensure that the legislation on hate crimes offers protection for all citizens, including minorities and LGBTI;
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Expresses concerns at the very limited coverage of the Gezi Park events by Turkish media and the dismissal of journalists who criticised the Government’s reactions to such events; recalls that freedom of expression and media pluralism are at the heart of European values and that an independent press is crucial to a democratic society; reiterates once again its concern at the fact that most media are owned by and concentrated in, large conglomerates with a wide range of business interests and points out to the worrying widespread phenomenon of self-censorship by media owners and journalists; expresses concern at the dismissal of journalists expressing anti-government views and at the penalties imposed on the owners of critical media ; expresses concern at the particularly high number of journalists currently in pre-trial detention and calls on Turkey’s judicial authorities to review and address these cases as soon as possible;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9α. Expresses its deep concern at developments in Turkey since 17 December; strongly underlines the need to ensure the independence and impartiality of investigations and corruption probes by the judiciary;
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Observes that the unprecedented wave of protests also reflects the legitimate concerns of many Turkish citizens that the Government is aspiring to impose a single set of ethical values and religious beliefs upon Turkish society as a whole; reiterates that, in a democratic polity, governments must promote tolerance and ensure freedom of religion and belief for all citizens; calls on the Government to respect the plurality and richness of Turkish society;
Amendment 201 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14α. Stresses its serious concern regarding statements by Turkish Government officials calling for the conversion of the historic Byzantine Church of St Sophia, which functions as a museum, into an Islamic place of worship; notes that the church has been declared a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amendment 223 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Welcomes the expected speedy implementation of the statement of intent by the Turkish Government regarding the reopening of the Greek minority school on the island Gökceada ( Imbros ), which would be a positive step in preserving the bicultural character of the Turkish islands Gökceada ( Imbros ) and Bozcaada ( Tenedos ) in accordance with Resolution No. 1625 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; notes, however, that further action is needed to address the problems faced by members of the Greek minority in relation to their property rights;
Amendment 252 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Government of Turkey to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which forms an integral part of the Community acquis, without further delay and recalls the full legitimacy of the Republic of Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone;
Amendment 285 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the importance of a coherent and comprehensive security approach in the Eastern Mediterranean, and calls on Turkey to allow political dialogue between the EU and NATO by lifting its veto on EU-NATO cooperation including Cyprus, and calls, in parallel, on the Republic of Cyprus to lift its veto on Turkey’s participation in the European Defence Agency; welcomes the Republic of Cyprus’ intention to join NATO’s Partnership for Peace Programme, which can be a game changer and urges Turkey to adopt an equally constructive attitude;