2015/2081(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
Recital E (new)

E. whereas Turkmenistan adopted in 2015 a National Action Plan on Human Rights for 2016-2020 (NAPHR), prepared with the assistance of the UNDP in 2013;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the invitation to Turkmenistan of a UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion in 2008, the first UN special rapporteur to visit the country; calls, at the same time, on the Turkmen authorities to allow entry to the ~~remaining nine~~other 12 rapporteurs, all of whom have asked to visit the country;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the invitation to Turkmenistan of a UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion in 2008, the first UN special rapporteur to visit the country; calls, at the same time, on the Turkmen authorities to allow entry to the remaining nine rapporteurs, all of whom have asked to visit the country; as indicated in the NAPHR for 2016-2020; welcomes that the NAPHR includes permission for the Special Rapporteur procedures on the situation of human rights defenders and the independence of judges and lawyers;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Takes note of the slightly improved cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN on the treatment of prisoners, but remains concerned about the hun~~known number~~dreds of political prisoners ~~in the country, and about the dozens of cases of enforced disappearances in prisons6 ; __________________ 6 Prove They Are Alive ! Campaign; http://provetheyarealive.org/.~~who are forcibly disappeared in the criminal justice system of Turkmenistan as a result of massive repressions that took place in early 2000s;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Takes note of the slightly improved cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN on the treatment of prisoners, but remains concerned about the hun~~known number~~dreds of political prisoners ~~in the country, and about the dozens of cases of enforced disappearances in prisons6 ; __________________ 6 Prove They Are Alive ! Campaign; http://provetheyarealive.org/.~~who are forcibly disappeared in the criminal justice system of Turkmenistan as a result of massive repressions that took place in early 2000s;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Takes note of the slightly improved cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN on the treatment of prisoners, but remains concerned about the ~~unknown number of~~remaining political prisoners in the country, and about the dozens of cases of enforced disappearances in prisons6 ; urges the government to apply the recommendation of the UN Committee against Torture of June 2015 to investigate all cases of torture, ill-treatment and deaths in custody; welcomes that the NAPHR contains detailed related activities to be fulfilled, namely the establishment of an independent, effective and regular system for monitoring and inspection of all detention facilities without prior notice and the publishing of conducted investigations results; __________________ 6 Prove They Are Alive ! Campaign; http://provetheyarealive.org/.

Amendment 105 #

Miroslav POCHE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Urges the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights to play a larger role in monitoring the human rights development in Turkmenistan, including more visits, and be in continuous contact with the European Parliament about specific cases related to human rights defenders in the country;

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Welcomes the accession of Turkmenistan in May 2009 to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the more active support given by it to the UNDP programme for 'gender mainstreaming and policy making in Turkmenistan'; calls for effective implementation of the CEDAW; underlines the importance of fighting human trafficking; notes that the NAPHR provides tasks regarding the improving of women's knowledge about their rights through legal education and the creation of a working group aimed at combating trafficking persons;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)

15b. Supports introduction of a facilitated visa regime, ensuring mutual transparency and people-to-people contacts;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. ~~Recommends Turkmenistan~~Draws attention to the consistent reports concerning the continued use by the Turkmen security authorities of torture to extract 'confessions' and to secure 'evidence' implicating third persons, and calls on the Government of Turkmenistan to put a stop to this practice immediately and immediately to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. ~~Recommends~~Calls on Turkmenistan to ratify and implement the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Recommends that the EU’'s approach to Turkmenistan strike a balance between the promotion of democracy and the pursuit of EU’'s strategic interests provided that the EU founding values with regard, in particular, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, are not called into question; underlines that the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) ~~will contribute to~~could undermine the achievement of EU objectives in these areas and should not happen without Turkmenistan meeting basic human rights benchmarks set out by the European Parliament in 2009;

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recommends Turkmenistan to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance and ensure their proper implementation;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. ~~Takes note of some limited improvements regarding freedom of the media, includ~~Notes that the President of Turkmenistan owns most of the state media and that the news is heavily censured, especially as a result of website blocking and, in certaing a ~~new law adopted in 2013~~reas, the blocking of internet; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media and to allow foreign media outlets access to the country and to information;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes note of some limited improvements regarding freedom of the media, including a new law adopted in 2013; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media and to allow foreign media outlets access to the country and to information, which aims to safeguard freedom of the media, prohibit censorship and unlawful interference in the activities of media outlets; notes, however, that the reality is in stark contrast with the law, since the media environment is still very restricted and under complete control of the authorities, and journalists are routinely harassed; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media and to allow foreign media outlets access to the country and to information; further calls on the Turkmen authorities to facilitate unrestricted internet access in the country and to put an end to the dismantling of private satellite dishes, which aim at restricting access of citizens to information from foreign channels;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes note of some limited improvements regarding the legislative framework on the freedom of the media, including a new law adopted in 2013; however, notes, that these provisions stand in stark contrast to the current restrictive media environment in the country, as expressed by, inter alia, an absence of independent media in the country, tight control of the state media by the authorities, restrictions on import of foreign newspapers; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media and to allow foreign media outlets access to the country and to information;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes note of some limited improvements regarding the legislative framework on the freedom of the media, including a new law adopted in 2013; however, notes, that these provisions stand in stark contrast to the current restrictive media environment in the country, as expressed by, inter alia, an absence of independent media in the country, tight control of the state media by the authorities, restrictions on import of foreign newspapers; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media and to allow foreign media outlets access to the country and to information;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes note of some limited improvements regarding freedom of the media, including a new law adopted in 2013; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media ~~and~~, to allow foreign media outlets access to the country and to information and to stop the on-going campaign to forcibly dismantle privately owned satellite dishes which provide an alternative to national state-controlled media;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes note of some limited improvements regarding freedom of the media, including a ~~new~~ law adopted in 2013; nevertheless, it is concerned about the situation of repressive media environment; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media and to allow foreign media outlets access to the country and to information;

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes note of some limited improvements regarding freedom of the media, including a new law adopted in 2013; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media and social networks, and to allow foreign media outlets access to the country and to information;

Amendment 118 #

Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes note of some limited improvements regarding freedom of the media, including a new law adopted in 2013; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media and to allow foreign media ~~outlets access to the country and~~access to information;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Points out that the NAPHR contains three main tasks regarding the media: carrying out an analysis of situation concerning the rights of journalists, development of a module on freedom of expression for the faculties of journalism and conducting training sessions for judicial officers, lawyers, media professionals on the rights and obligations of journalists; calls on the Turkmen Government to allow journalists to freely operate in the country; calls on Turkmen authorities to grant access to international journalists to the country;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Recommends that the EU’'s approach to Turkmenistan strike a balance between the promotion of democracy and the pursuit of EU’'s strategic interests; underlines that the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) ~~will~~could contribute to the achievement of EU objectives in these areas only provided Turkmenistan makes significant and tangible progress towards the fulfilment of the benchmarks set out by the European Parliament in 2009 and 2011;

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Notes the recent lowering of the membership threshold for registration of religious communities and groups; notes that the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has published its annual report, indicating that Turkmenistan is among the countries in which particularly serious infringements of religious freedom are perpetrated or tolerated;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Notes the recent lowering of the membership threshold for registration of religious communities and groups from 2004, as well as the overall changes aimed at protecting the rights of minorities;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Welcomes that the NAPHR contains the ensuring of equal participation of representatives of national minorities in decision-making process, creation of favourable conditions for children of ethnic minorities to learn their mother tongue and obtain knowledge about their history and culture of their people, joint activities dedicated to national holidays of national and ethnic minorities and the creation of a mechanism of consultation with representatives of national minorities;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Notes the modest improvements introduced in the new law on public associations adopted in 2014; calls on the Turkmen authorities to remove restrictions on civil society organisations and to permit the development of a genuinely independent civil society;deleted

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. ~~Not~~Welcomes the modest improvements introduced in the new law on public associations adopted in 2014, and the adoption of the first Law on Assemblies which entered into force in July 2015; however, is concerned that the new Law on Public Associations contains major restrictive provisions, such as a requirement of compulsory registration of associations, strict registration rules for national-level organisations, provisions granting authorities wide and largely unfettered powers to oversee the activities and funding of associations and broad grounds for closing down organisations; calls on the Turkmen authorities to remove restrictions on civil society organisations and to permit the development of a genuinely independent civil society;

Amendment 125 #

Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. ~~Not~~Welcomes the modest improvements introduced in the new law on public associations adopted in 2014, and the adoption of the first Law on Assemblies which entered into force in July 2015; however, is concerned that the new Law on Public Associations contains major restrictive provisions, such as a requirement of compulsory registration of associations, strict registration rules for national-level organisations, provisions granting authorities wide and largely unfettered powers to oversee the activities and funding of associations and broad grounds for closing down organisations; calls on the Turkmen authorities to remove restrictions on civil society organisations and to permit the development of a genuinely independent civil society;

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Notes the modest improvements introduced in the ~~new~~ law on public associations adopted in 2014; calls on the Turkmen authorities to remove restrictions on civil society organisations and to permit the development of a genuinely independent civil society; free from harassment and persecution; nevertheless, it is concerned that unregistered public associations are still banned and that international NGOs are not allowed to operate in the country; welcomes that the NAPHR for 2016-2020 incudes the creation of favourable conditions for registration, operation and development of non-governmental organisations and the carrying out of an analysis of existing legal and regulatory acts on non- governmental organisations and their improvements;

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Notes the modest improvements introduced in the new law on public associations adopted in 2014; calls on the Turkmen authorities to remove restrictions on civil society organisations and to permit the development of a genuinely independent civil society in the country, namely by easing registration requirements and removing legal provisions which grant authorities unfettered powers to oversee and bar the activities and funding of organisations;

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

~~20. Notes the adoption in March 2015 of a new law allowing certain groups to organise peaceful rallies;~~deleted

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Notes the adoption in March 2015 of a new law allowing certain groups to organise peaceful rallies; calls for the constitution to guarantee all citizens freedom of association in all circumstances;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Recommends that the EU’s approach to Turkmenistan strike a balance between the promotion of democracy and the pursuit of EU’s strategic interests; underlines that the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) ~~will~~could contribute to the achievement of EU objectives in these areas only provided Turkmenistan makes significant and tangible progress towards the fulfilment of the benchmarks set out by the European Parliament in 2009 and 2011;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Urg~~Welcomes, in this context, ~~the Turkmen Government –~~ as a positive sign of cooperation facilitating Parliament’s consent to the PCA – to adopt the draft National Action Plan on Human Rights, prepared with the assistance of the UNDP in 2013, which contains the recommendations made during Turkmenistan’s appearance before the Universal Periodic Review process at the UN Human Rights Council in 2013; recommends that a constructive resolution of the issue of forced disappearances be included in the Plan, the adoption of the NAPHR for 2016-2020 by the Turkmen Government;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Urg~~Welcomes, in this context, the adoption by the Turkmen Government ~~– as a positive sign of cooperation facilitating Parliament’s consent to the PCA – to adopt~~in January 2016–– of the draft National Action Plan on Human Rights, prepared with the assistance of the UNDP in 2013, which contains the recommendations made during Turkmenistan’'s appearance before the Universal Periodic Review process at the UN Human Rights Council in 2013; recommends that a constructive resolution of the issue of forced disappearances be included in the Plan; notes that the implementation of this plan will be seen as a positive sign of cooperation facilitating Parliament's consent to the PCA;

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Urg~~Welcomes, in this context, the adoption by the Turkmen Government ~~– as a positive sign of cooperation facilitating Parliament’s consent to the PCA – to adopt~~in January 2016 of the draft National Action Plan on Human Rights, prepared with the assistance of the UNDP in 2013, which contains the recommendations made during Turkmenistan’s appearance before the Universal Periodic Review process at the UN Human Rights Council in 2013; recommends that a constructive resolution of the issue of forced disappearances be included in the Plan; notes that the implementation of this plan will be seen as a positive sign of cooperation facilitating Parliament's consent to the PCA;

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Urges, in this context, the Turkmen Government – as a positive sign of cooperation facilitating Parliament’s consent to the PCA – to adopt the draft National Action Plan on Human Rights, prepared with the assistance of the UNDP in 2013Takes note of the adoption in January 2016 of the National Action Plan on Human Rights, which contains the recommendations made during Turkmenistan’'s appearance before the Universal Periodic Review process at the UN Human Rights Council in 2013; ~~recommends that a constructiv~~calls for the resolution of the issue of forced disappearances be included in the Plan;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21a. Points out that for years Turkmenistan has had high growth rates of around 10%, largely generated by exports of gas, oil-based products and oil; points out that the revenue from these exports is not currently being used to narrow social divisions in the country, poverty (which affects some 25% of the population) and unemployment (which affects up to three-fifths of the active population), to overcome the backwardness of the farming sector, which still employs extensive resource-use methods, and to develop a sustainable economic structure in the country;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)

21b. Points out that the Government of Turkmenistan's policy of budget consolidation, justified by reference to the falling world market prices for hydrocarbons, even despite the presence of a long-term customer in the form of China, has had a one-sidedly negative impact on 'social' subsidies and employment, and thus brings with it the risk of political destabilisation of the country, and is at the same time delaying the economic diversification and modernisation which Turkmenistan needs and the development of the infrastructure essential for regional cooperation;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Notes the mixed results of EU assistance for the period 2011-2013, amounting to EUR 39 million; points out that no substantial changes can be observed in the area of modernisation of the education system, strengthening national capacities to promote and protect human rights, and support to the development and modernisation of the parliament of Turkmenistan – areas to which the EU development assistance was allocated in the previous period; notes that for the period 2014-2017, the EU allocated EUR 37 million, with a primary focus on the development of human capital;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Notes the mixed results of EU assistance for the period 2011-2013, amounting to EUR 39 million; notes that for the period 2014-2017, the EU allocated EUR 37 million, with a primary focus on the development of human capital; notes that the bilateral development assistance might be phased out as of 2018 when the country could reach the upper income status according to the OECD, despite remarkable difference in living conditions between the urban areas (and notably the capital Ashgabat) and the countryside where poverty is widespread;

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Calls on the Commission, in view of the problem of rampant corruption, to present a detailed estimate of individual appropriations for Turkmenistan to ensure maximum effectiveness and transparency and a subsequent detailed statement to Parliament;

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. CPoints out that in 2014 Turkmenistan, a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), was ranked 169th among the 175 countries covered by the Corruption Perception Index; calls on the Turkmen authorities urgently to address the problem of rampant corruption and to meet all their obligations under the UNCAC;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Recommends that the EU’'s approach to Turkmenistan ~~strike a balance between the promotion of democracy and~~focuses on the pursuit of EU’'s strategic interests~~; underlines that the~~ , particularly the democrati~~fic~~sation of the ~~Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) will contribute to the achievement of EU objectives in these area~~country, inclusive and sustainable development and human rights;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Calls on the Turkmen authorities urgently to address the problem of rampant corruption; welcomes the provisions of NAPHR regarding the improvement of anti-corruption legislation; calls on the European Commission to give full assistance to the Turkmen authorities in the implementation of their action plan against corruption;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Welcomes the reinstatement of the ninth year of compulsory education and calls on the Turkmen Government to make the modernisation of the education sector one of its top priorities; in this regard, welcomes EU's assistance in this sector; notes that the NAPHR includes the implementation of the "State Programme on Development of the Educational System in Turkmenistan for the period 2012-2016", the improving of school curriculum, applying of international educational standards, free internet access in educational establishment and secondary vocational schools covered by educational programmes on human rights; welcomes that education is one of the main priorities defined in the EU - Central Asia strategy;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Notes that Turkmenistan will probably be listed as upper-middle income country from 2017 (likely change of the country status from the OECD Development Assistance Committee) and the countries eligibility for DCI funds will be evaluated based on these assessment; calls on European Commission and EEAS to coordinate allocation of the EU development assistance to Turkmenistan and only disburse funds where and when these benefit the whole population;

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully implement the laws banning child ~~labour in a better way~~and forced labour; calls, at the same time, on the Commission to assist the Turkmen authorities in developing sustainable ways of cultivating cotton;

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Calls on the Turkmen authorities to properly implement the laws banning child labour ~~in a better way~~, as well as to strengthen the legal framework for the protection of minors from exploitation;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Calls on the Turkmen authorities to implement the laws banning child labour, which have been in force since 2005, in a better way;

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Calls on the Turkmen authorities to implement the laws banning child labour ~~in a better way~~;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully implement the laws banning child labour in a better way;

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Recommends the Turkmen authorities to continue with their reform of the healthcare system; calls on the EU to provide expertise in this sector;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)

24b. Stresses the importance of sustainable development in rural areas, including food security and water distribution;

Amendment 15 #

Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Recommends that the EU’s approach to Turkmenistan strike a balance between the promotion of ~~democracy~~real involvement on the part of broad sections of society in state decision-making processes and support for the development of a modern state and of economically sustainable structures and social security systems in Turkmenistan and the pursuit of EU’s strategic interests in stability in the region; underlines that the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) will contribute to the achievement of ~~EU objectives in these areas~~the EU's wide-ranging objectives in the region and vis-à-vis Turkmenistan;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Notes that a major component of the PCA is the further development of trade relations and considers that the Turkmenistan - EU trading relation could be enhanced, taking in account the location of Turkmenistan as an East- West/North-South crossroads;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Notes that a major component of the PCA is the further development of trade relations; notes, anyhow, that trade and trade-related matters are already covered by the Interim Trade Agreement with Turkmenistan that is still in force;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Notes that a major component of the PCA is the further development of trade relations; points out that at present the EU is not a significant trading partner of Turkmenistan and has yet to develop a holistic approach to strategic cooperation with the country;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Stresses that the energy dependence on authoritarian regimes and non- renewable sources of energy deeply undermines the credibility, the effectiveness and the coherence of the EU foreign policy; takes the view, in this regard, that an increased reliance of Turkmen gas would neither help nor strengthen the energy security of the EU;

Amendment 154 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Notes that the EU was Turkmenistan's third trade partner in 2013, after China and Turkey, and that currently the trade with the EU remains relatively negligible at 0.1 % of the EU's overall foreign trade;

Amendment 155 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)

25b. Encourages Turkmenistan to significantly improve its investment environment in line with the PCA provisions; underlines that foreign investment is vital to the country's economy and its modernisation;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Emphasises Turkmenistan’s potential for enhancing the EU’s energy security; supports the Commission’s plans to use all of the EU’s foreign policy instruments to establish a strategic energy partnership with Turkmenistan, thus helping the EU wean itself off dependence on Russian gas; points to the reliability and stability of the EU and its companies as potential investment partners in the exploitation of the vast reserves of natural gas and oil that Turkmenistan possesses; underlines that future pipeline projects connecting Turkmenistan to Europe could lead to the fulfilment of common objectives; recognises Turkmenistan’s role as exporter of energy resources in Central Asia and beyondthat energy policy ultimately falls within the scope of security and defence policy, that this is a sole competence of the Member States and that the EU should not hinder the exercise of their sovereign rights;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Emphasises ~~Turkmenistan’~~the EU's potential for enhancing it~~he EU’~~s energy security; supports the Commission’s plans to use all of the EU’s foreign policy instruments to establish a strategic energy partnership with Turkmenistan, thus helping the EU wean itself off dependence on Russian gas; points to the reliability and stability of the EU and its companies as potential investment partners in the exploitation of the vast reserves of natural gas and oil that Turkmenistan possesses; underlines that future pipeline project through cooperation with its Member States, in particular Greece and Cyprus; In order achieve this cooperation, calls on the EU to ask Greece to speed up moves to determine Greece's EEZ, in whose territorial waters energy deposits have been found, and for work to start in cooperation with Greece and Cyprus con~~necting Turkmenistan to Europe could lead to the fulfilment of common objectives; recognises Turkmenistan’s role as exporter of energy resources in Central Asia and beyond~~ channelling these deposits to the EU; in this way, the EU will be freed of its dependence on natural gas from Russia and other non-EU countries;

Amendment 158 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. ~~Emphasis~~Notes Turkmenistan’'s potential for enhancing the EU’'s energy security; supports the Commission’'s plans to ~~use all of the EU’s foreign policy instruments to establish a strategic~~promote an energy partnership with Turkmenistan, thus helping t~~he EU wean itself off dependence on Russian ga~~o diversify the EU gas supplies; points to the reliability and stability of the EU and its companies as potential investment partners in the exploitation of the vast reserves of natural gas and oil that Turkmenistan possesses; underlines that future pipeline projects connecting Turkmenistan to Europe could lead to the fulfilment of common objectives; recognises Turkmenistan’'s role as exporter of energy resources in Central Asia and beyond;

Amendment 159 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. ~~Emphasis~~Notes Turkmenistan’s potential for enhancing the EU’s energy security; supports the Commission’s plans to ~~use all of the EU’s foreign policy instruments to establish a strategic~~promote an energy partnership with Turkmenistan, thus helping t~~he EU wean itself off dependence on Russian ga~~o diversify the EU gas supplies; points to the reliability and stability of the EU and its companies as potential investment partners in the exploitation of the vast reserves of natural gas and oil that Turkmenistan possesses; underlines that future pipeline projects connecting Turkmenistan to Europe could lead to the fulfilment of common objectives; recognises Turkmenistan’s role as exporter of energy resources in Central Asia and beyond;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Recommends that the EU’s approach to Turkmenistan strike a balance between the promotion of democracy and the pursuit of EU’s strategic interests; ~~underlines that the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) will contribute to the achievement of EU objectives in these areas;~~

Amendment 160 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Underlines that the EU is relying on Turkmenistan for its energy security and diversification; notes that opaque system surrounding gas and oil industry in Turkmenistan does not make it a reliable partner for the EU since Turkmen government fully controls vast hydrocarbon reserves and uses the revenues from it to consolidate its rule by sponsoring security services and patronage networks;

Amendment 161 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Urges the EU to finalise talks with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan on facilitating an accord on building a trans- Caspian gas pipeline (TCP); urges Turkmenistan to resolve the legal disputes and infrastructural deficiencies with the potential transit countries;deleted

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Urges the EU to finalise talks with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan on facilitating an accord on building a trans- Caspian gas pipeline (TCP); ~~urges Turkmenistan to resolve the legal disputes and infrastructural deficiencies with the potential transit countries;~~

Amendment 163 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Urges the EU to finalise talks with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan on facilitating an accord on building a trans- Caspian gas pipeline (TCP); ~~urges Turkmenistan to resolve the legal disputes and infrastructural deficiencies with the potential transit countries;~~

Amendment 164 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. ~~Urges the EU to finalise talks with~~Takes note of the ongoing talks between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan on ~~facilitating~~ an accord on building a trans- Caspian gas pipeline (TCP); urges Turkmenistan to resolve the legal disputes and infrastructural deficiencies with the potential transit countries;

Amendment 165 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)

27a. Underlines the importance of diversification of Turkmenistan economy, in order to enhance its competitiveness;

Amendment 166 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)

27a. Notes that public investment funds (from international financial institutions) will be needed to build the pipelines and infrastructure across the Caspian, Turkey and the Western part of the route connecting Turkey to Europe; underlines the need to include transparency and accountability issues when pursuing these projects for the European energy diversification;

Amendment 167 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes that the Turkmen Government has adopted a National Development Programme for the period 2011-30 aimed at a gradual modernisation of the economy; points out that one of the fundamental principles underpinning this development programme is improvements to the living standards and quality of life of the Turkmen people, but that the basic thinking behind Turkmenistan's current economic policy and the recent economic decisions taken by its government are completely at odds with that principle;

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes that the Turkmen Government has adopted a National Development Programme for the period 2011-30 aimed at a gradual modernisation of the economy and calls on Turkmenistan to promote rural development, local ownership and investment;

Amendment 169 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Notes that ~~Turkmenistan maintains constructive relations with all its neighbour~~constructive relations between Turkmenistan and its neighbours as well as regional cooperation are extremely important to effectively address common challenges such as drug trafficking, organised crime and other security threats;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Recommends that the EU’s approach to Turkmenistan strike a balance between the promotion of human rights and democracy and the pursuit of EU’s strategic interests; underlines that the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) will contribute to the achievement of EU objectives in these areas;

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Notes that Turkmenistan maintains ~~constructive~~neutral relations with all its neighbours;

Amendment 171 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Notes that Turkmenistan maintains ~~constructive~~neutral relations with all its neighbours;

Amendment 172 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Is deeply concerned about the possible negative regional spill-over effect of the current uncertain security situation in Afghanistan and beyond, including Turkmenistan’s porous border ~~with, and~~combined with the increasing presence of the Islamic State in~~, that country~~ Afghanistan as well as drug trafficking, extremism and terrorism, border security and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks; therefore, recognises Turkmenistan natural interest in achieving peace in Afghanistan and supports the Turkmenistan's participation in "Heart of Asia" process;

Amendment 173 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Advocates measures to strengthen control of its common borders with Afghanistan and military support for Kyrgyzstan, so as to create a security perimeter to protect region from Taliban militants, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) or any other terrorist group;

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Calls for a greater cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU on fight against terrorism and ISIS, in particular;

Amendment 175 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)

32a. Supports Turkmenistan's continued participation in the BOMCA (Border Management in Central Asia) programme which finances also the Central Asia Border Security Initiative (CABSI) Initiative contributing to a sustainable integrated regional border management, and CADAP (Central Asia Drug Action Programme) programme;

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)

32b. Highlights the role of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) based in Ashgabat since 2007, as well as of the OSCE, in conflict prevention in the region;

Amendment 177 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. ~~Is concerned that the disastrous over- use of the scarce water resources in Central Asia has created diplomatic tensions, and calls on the EU to engage its water diplomacy more effectively~~Recommends that the Commission respect international law and the principle of non-interference;

Amendment 178 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Is concerned that the disastrous over- use of the scarce water resources in Central Asia ~~has created diplomatic tensions, and calls on the EU to engage its water diplomacy more effectively;~~ , which stems from technologically backward, predominantly extensive farming and the use of inefficient irrigation systems not suited to the local climate, has created diplomatic tensions, and calls on the EU to engage its water diplomacy more effectively in an effort to depoliticise the issue of the use of water and reconcile the diverging interests of states through which the major rivers of central Asia flow; points out that the most recent surveys conducted by the FAO in central Asia, and in Turkmenistan in particular, have identified real scope for increasing agricultural productivity and making better use of available land by employing new technologies and halting processes of desertification and soil salinisation, but that this would call for substantial investment and can therefore only be achieved on the basis of cooperation between all the countries in the region, including China; is convinced that this area can be of strategic significance for the EU's economic cooperation in the region;

Amendment 179 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Is concerned that the disastrous over- use of the scarce water resources in Central Asia has created diplomatic tensions, and calls on the EU to develop efficient water- saving and water management programmes and to engage its water diplomacy more effectively;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Recommends that the EU’s approach to Turkmenistan strike a balance between the promotion of democracy and human rights and the pursuit of EU’s strategic interests; underlines that the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) will contribute to the achievement of EU objectives in these areas;

Amendment 180 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

~~34. Notes that 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the recognition by the UN of Turkmenistan’s neutrality;~~deleted

Amendment 181 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35

35. Takes note of the US ‘New Silk Road Initiative’ and supports closer EU cooperation with the US in initiatives to promote democracy, human rights, social and economic progress, and security challenges in the regionRecommends that the Commission refrain from assisting or encouraging attempts to destabilise an area so complex and fragile as Central Asia;

Amendment 182 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35

35. Takes note of the US ‘New Silk Road Initiative’ and supports closer EU cooperation with the US in initiatives to promote democracy, human rights, social and economic progress, and security challenges in the region; Points out that since Turkmenistan became independent the principle of 'positive neutrality' has underpinned a foreign policy based on a peaceful approach to international relations, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, non-interference in the affairs of others and non-alignment; points out that this neutrality has been formally recognised by the United Nations1; notes, in that connection, the US 'New Silk Road Initiative', which, although it incorporates initiatives to promote democracy, human rights, social and economic progress, and security challenges in the region, seeks to drag Turkmenistan and the other central Asian states into a confrontation with China; is convinced that such a confrontation would run counter to the stabilisation of the region, inter alia through closer economic integration, would be at odds with Turkmenistan's economic priorities and would deprive the countries concerned of the prospect of economic development which would be sustainable in the medium term; __________________ 1General Assembly resolution 50/80, Maintenance of international security, A/RES/50/80 (12 December 1995).

Amendment 183 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36

36. ~~Takes note of China’s ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’ policy for the Central Asian region and beyond, and cautions against Turkmenistan’s increasing economic dependence on China~~Reminds the Commission that Turkmenistan is a sovereign state and as such is answerable only to its own people for its foreign policy;

Amendment 184 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36

36. Takes note of China’s ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’ policy for the Central Asian region and beyond, and ca~~utions against Turkmenistan’s increasing economic dependence on China;~~ lls on the Commission resolutely to continue the cooperation begun under the EU-China Connectivity Platform and, in that connection, with mutual benefit in mind, to urge all the parties concerned to develop and adopt binding rules and internationally recognised standards, not least in the interests of strategic cooperation with the central Asian states; is convinced that this cooperation framework can offer an alternative to Turkmenistan's ever more one-sided, and in some respects economically unworkable, export policy;

Amendment 185 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36

36. Takes note of China’'s ‘'Silk Road Economic Belt’' policy for the Central Asian region and beyond~~, and cautions against Turkmenistan’s increasing economic dependence on China~~;

Amendment 186 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36

36. Takes note of China’s ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’ policy for the Central Asian region and beyond~~, and cautions against Turkmenistan’s increasing economic dependence on China~~;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Underlines that the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) shall only take place when Turkmenistan achieves genuine and measurable progress in the protection of human rights, namely by attaining the benchmarks set out by the European Parliament in its previous resolutions, such as the unconditional release of political prisoners, the elimination of barriers to free travel to Turkmen citizens, unrestricted access to the country for international organisations and independent monitors and removal of restrictions and harassment of non- governmental organisations, namely the ones working on civil and political rights;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)

A. whereas upon its entry into force, the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) will replace the Interim Trade Agreement between the EU and Turkmenistan concluded in 2009, currently governing relations between the European Communities and the Republic of Turkmenistan (hereinafter referred to as Turkmenistan);

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Underlines that similar Partnership and Cooperation Agreements with neighbouring countries in the post-Soviet region such as - Uzbekistan and Tajikistan - have not enabled the EU to meaningfully advance reforms in these countries , nor have these countries become more "incentivised" to protect and promote fundamental human rights;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Reminds, in this regard, that the Interim Trade Agreement with Turkmenistan concluded by the Council on 27 July 2009 and currently in force, in spite of the provisions on the respect for human rights and democracy and the expectations of the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament at the time of its adoption, did not bring about any substantial improvement in these fields;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Recommends a more ambitious and coherent EU engagement in the country and in Central Asia, as reflected in the current review of the EU Strategy for Central Asia, whilst taking into account the differences betweInsists that ratification of the PCA must be conditional on measurable progress in key areas of human rights, such as addressing the problem of persons going missing in prisons, access to Turkmen jails for independent national and international observers (achieved in part on 28 September 2015, when UN, US and EU delegates were allowed to visit women's prisons), an end to the arbitrary detention of civic activists for political or any other reasons and respect for the peaceful and legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of expression, freedom of movement for Turkmen citizens, ~~and the uniqueness of each of, the countries in the reg~~including travel abroad, and measures to guarantee freedom of expression, access to information and freedom of association;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Recommends ~~a more ambitious and coherent EU engagement in the country and in Central Asia, as~~that the Commission reflspect~~ed in the current review of the EU Strategy for Central Asia, whilst taking into account the differences between, and the uniqueness of each of, the countries in the region~~ the letter of the Treaties and not encroach on relations between Member States and the countries of Central Asia;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Recommends a more ambitious and coherent EU engagement in the country and in Central Asia, ~~as reflected in the current review of the EU Strategy for Central Asia, whilst taking into account~~in keeping with the multi-faceted and contradictory transformation processes under way and the corresponding development conditions and options, and points out that this recommendation must also inform the current review of the EU Strategy for Central Asia; notes that in that connection the focus should be on the challenges facing and the development possibilities open to Turkmenistan and the other states in the region and that due account must be taken of the differences between, and the uniqueness of each of, the countries in the region;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Recommends a~~Welcomes the more ambitious and coherent EU engagement in the country and in Central Asia, as reflected in the current review of the EU Strategy for Central Asia, ~~whilst taking into account~~provided that account is taken of the differences between, and the uniqueness of each of, the countries in the region;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Recommends a more ambitious and coherent EU engagement in the country and in Central Asia, as reflected in the current review of the EU Strategy for Central Asia~~, whilst taking into account the differences between, and the uniqueness of each of, the countries in the region~~;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Recommends a more ambitious, effective and coherent EU engagement in the country and in Central Asia, as reflected in the current review of the EU Strategy for Central Asia, whilst taking into account the differences between, and the uniqueness of each of, the countries in the region;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that the establishment of a Cooperation Council and a Cooperation Committee, under Articles77 and 79 of the PCA, respectively, ~~will~~might revitalise EU-Turkmen relations in a constructive manner, both at the executive level and in civil society; reminds, however, that the establishment of these bodies in other countries in the region, such as for example Uzbekistan, have not proved to be successful;

Amendment 29 #

Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that the establishment of a Cooperation Council and a Cooperation Committee, under Articles77 and 79 of the PCA, respectively, ~~will~~could revitalise EU-Turkmen relations in a constructive manner, both at the executive level and in civil society, only on the condition of the tangible, significant and measurable fulfilment by Turkmenistan of the benchmarks set out by the European Parliament in 2009 and 2011;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)

A. whereas the PCA contains a clause legally binding on both sides to respect human rights and democracy (Article 2) and providing for the possibility of taking appropriate measures in case of failure to attain these principles (Article 94, (2));

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that the establishment of a Cooperation Council and a Cooperation Committee, under Articles77 and 79 of the PCA, respectively, ~~will~~could revitalise EU-Turkmen relations in a constructive manner, both at the executive level and in civil society, only on the condition of the fulfilment by Turkmenistan of the benchmarks set out by the European Parliament in 2009 and 2011;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that the establishment of a Cooperation Council and a Cooperation Committee, under Articles77 and 79 of the PCA, respectively, ~~will~~can revitalise EU-Turkmen relations in a constructive manner~~, both at the executive level and in civil society~~;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. WBel~~comes~~ieves that the establishment of a Parliamentary Cooperation Committee between the European Parliament and the Turkmen Parliament (the Mejlis) under Article 82 of the PCA~~, leading to~~ could prove to be a useful tool for more regular and structured parliamentary dialogue and scrutiny of the implementation of the agreement once it is ratified subject to the significant progress by Turkmenistan in fulfilling the benchmarks set out by the European Parliament;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. WBel~~comes~~ieves that the establishment of a Parliamentary Cooperation Committee between the European Parliament and the Turkmen Parliament (the Mejlis) under Article 82 of the PCA~~, leading to~~ could prove to be a useful tool for more regular and structured parliamentary dialogue and scrutiny of the implementation of the agreement, once it is ratified subject to the significant progress by Turkmenistan in fulfilling the benchmarks set out by the European Parliament;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Welcomes~~Takes note of the fact that the establishment of a Parliamentary Cooperation Committee between the European Parliament and the Turkmen Parliament (the Mejlis) under Article 82 of the PCA, will lead~~ing~~ to more regular and structured parliamentary dialogue and scrutiny of the implementation of the agreement; questions, nevertheless, the legitimacy of the Turkmen Parliament that is totally submitted to the president and is the result of blatantly undemocratic consultations;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the ~~establishment of~~fact that the PCA includes a Parliamentary Cooperation Committee between the European Parliament and the Turkmen Parliament (the Mejlis) under Article 82 ~~of the PCA~~, leading to more regular and structured parliamentary dialogue and scrutiny of the implementation of the agreement when ratified;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

~~5. Welcomes the reinstatement of the position of EU Special Representative for Central Asia, non-existent since early 2014;~~deleted

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the reinstatement of the position of EU Special Representative for Central Asia, non-existent since early 2014, provided that his/her action is result-oriented and aimed at addressing coherently and effectively the main problems of the region;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the reinstatement of the position of EU Special Representative for Central Asia, non-existent since early 2014; welcomes the active engagement expressed by the HR/VP regarding the EU involvement in region and Turkmenistan;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Council and the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), to proceed towards the setting up of a full- fledged EU Delegation in Ashgabat; emphasises that the ~~new~~ Delegation ~~could m~~must be in a positioni to~~r the situa~~ develop, for the benefit of both parties, a cooperation strategy geared to development conditions and requirements in Turkmenistan, to enable diplomacy on the ground, as well as manage projects under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) and the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) in a better way;

Amendment 4 #

Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)

A. whereas fourteen out of the fifteen Member States that have signed it have also ratified the PCA; whereas Turkmenistan itself ratified the PCA in 2004;

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Council and the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), to proceed towards the setting up of a full- fledged EU Delegation in Ashgabat, as announced by her predecessor, thus replacing the current EU Liaison Office run from the EU Delegation to Turkey, accredited also to Turkmenistan; emphasises that the new Delegation could monitor the situation and enable diplomacy on the ground, as well as manage projects under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) and the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) in a better way;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Council and the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), to proceed towards the setting up of a full- fledged EU Delegation in Ashgabat; emphasises that the new Delegation could monitor ~~the situation~~human rights violations as well as individual cases of concern in the country and enable diplomacy on the ground, as well as manage projects under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) and the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) in a better way;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises the timid legal, political, social and economic reforms introduced by the current government since 2012 as an encouraging sign of a renewed climate of openness, most notably with regard to prison reform, laws on internet, public assembly and public association; notes that the state of democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remain weak in TurkmenistanPoints out that Turkmenistan remains one of the most closed and repressive countries in the world, and that no real progress in human rights has been made in the last 5 years;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises the timid legal, political, social and economic reforms introduced by the current government since 2012 as an encouraging sign of a renewed climate of openness, most notably with regard to prison reform, laws on internet, public assembly and public association; notes that the state of democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remain weak in TurkmenistanNotes that the situation in Turkmenistan in terms of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms leaves much to be desired, given the systematic persecution of dissidents, journalists and human rights activists, the constant use of torture and the generalised infringements of freedom of expression, association and assembly;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises th~~e timid legal, political, social and economic reforms introduced by the current government since 2012 as~~at in spite of recent legal reforms and other initiatives declared to be aimed ant en~~couraging sign of a renewed climate of openness, most notably with regard to prison reform, laws on internet, public assembly and public association~~hancing human rights protection in the country, the situation remains highly repressive in practice; notes that the state of democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remain weak in Turkmenistan;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises th~~e timid legal, political, social and economic reforms introduced by the current government since 2012 as~~at in spite of recent legal reforms and other initiatives declared to be aimed ant en~~couraging sign of a renewed climate of openness, most notably with regard to prison reform, laws on internet, public assembly and public association~~hancing human rights protection in the country, the situation remains highly repressive in practice; notes that the state of democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remain weak in Turkmenistan;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises the timid legal, political, social and economic reforms introduced by the current government since 2012 as a~~n encouraging~~ sign of a renewed climate of openness, ~~most notably with regard to prison reform, laws on internet, public assembly and public asso~~but awaits meaningful and visible impact of those reforms in the rights and freedoms of Turkmen ciationzens; notes that the state of democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remain extremely weak in Turkmenistan;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises th~~e timid~~at Turkmenistan is in further need of legal, political, social and economic reforms ~~introduced by~~; considers the progress in some areas after election of the current government since 2012 as an encouraging sign of a renewed climate of openness, most notably with regard to prison reform, laws on internet, public assembly and p~~ublic association~~olitical pluralism; notes that the state of democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remain weak in Turkmenistan;

Amendment 48 #

Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises the tlimited legal, political, social and economic reforms introduced by the current government since 2012 as an encouraging sign of a renewed climate of openness, most notably with regard to prison reform, laws on internet, public assembly and public association; notes that the state of democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remain weak in Turkmenistan and emphasises that the government must do more to defend and achieve them;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises the timid legal, political, social and economic reforms introduced by the current government since 2012 as an encouraging sign of a renewed climate of openness, most notably with regard to prison reform, laws on internet, public assembly and public association; notes that the state of democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remain weak in Turkmenistan; notes that implementation of laws remains meagre; in this regard, encourages the Turkmenistan authorities to launch its human rights projects provided by the NAPHR, including those dedicated to the internet access;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B (new)

B. whereas strategic, political and economic developments and the continuing trans-regional security challenges in Central Asia have effects on the interests of the European Union itself, and whereas recent developments in Ukraine, Russia and Afghanistan amplify these challenges;

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Regrets that several laws adopted between 2010 and 2015 which the Turkmen government shows as progress, either have not been implemented (the Criminal Code of 2010, the Criminal Procedural Code of 2011) or establish highly restrictive provisions contradicting international standard (for example, amendments to the Law on Public Organisations of 2014, the Law on Internet of 2015, and the Law on Assemblies, Meetings and Demonstrations of 2015); stresses that all key human rights concerns raised by the European Parliament from 2008 to 2011 remain unaddressed;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Is concerned about the lack of appropriate legal instruments to enforce human rights and is deeply worried about the low number of local, independent NGOs in the country;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Welcomes, as a positive sign of cooperation facilitating Parliament's consent to the PCA, the last year adoption of the NAPHR for 2016-2020 , prepared with the assistance of the UNDP in 2013, which contains the recommendations made during Turkmenistan's appearance before the Universal Periodic Review process at the UN Human Rights Council in 2013 and having as main objective protecting, promoting and ensuring human rights by defining them in public policy, developing specific programmes, allocating sufficient resources for the implementation of these programmes and further involvement of all relevant government bodies and civil society;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Regrets that Turkmenistan government officials recently ordered thousands of families living in the Choganly district of Ashgabat, the capital city, to demolish their homes, which will otherwise be demolished by the authorities, make way for the installation of facilities for the forthcoming Asian indoor games and the 2017 martial arts championships and a redevelopment project to replace the old houses with modern apartment blocks; notes that thousands of homes have already been demolished and that the total number destroyed will be 18 000 if the project is completed;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. Notes that the NAPHR contains detailed tasks and activities, the list of institutions responsible for their fulfilment, specific implementation period, as well as indicators to be used for evaluating the results of each task; notes that the NAPHR covers three main areas: economic, social and cultural rights, civil and political rights and legal system, including the judicial system, law enforcement agencies and lawyers' association;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. Notes that a new Law on Public Association was adopted in May 2014 and a first-ever Law on Assemblies entered into force in July 2015; points out that efforts to develop legislature on freedom of assembly and association are a welcome step, although these laws provide for restrictions that are incompatible with international human rights standards and it is unlikely that any real progress can be achieved in these areas as long as no systemic measures are taken to improve the current repressive civil society climate;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)

7c. Welcomes that the NAPHR provides the creation of a Monitoring Group and evaluation mechanism in order to track the achievement of expected results and developing an Annual Work plan; points out that this Annual Work Plan will allow appropriate changes and additions to the NAPHR;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)

7c. Underlines that access to information is strictly controlled by the government; points out, in this regard, that Internet penetration is less than 15 per cent of residents, according to the UN specialised agency for information and communication technologies (International Telecommunication Union - ITU) and access to news, social media and other sites is restricted;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 d (new)

7d. Is concerned that lack of independent media, censorship and the use of media for political purposes in Turkmenistan undermine the freedom to seek, receive and impart information protected by national and international law;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 e (new)

7e. Expresses its concern at the persistent trend of persecution of journalists working for foreign media, as well as other individuals who are considered "inconvenient" by the authorities; draws the attention, in particular, to the case of Saparmamed Nepeskuliev,- a freelance journalist working with the RFE/RL's Turkmen service and the Netherlands- based Alternative Turkmenistan News (ATN) that was sentenced to three years in prison on spurious narcotics possession charges in August 2015 after being held incommunicado since the summer; underlines that the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Nepeskuliev's detention was arbitrary and expressed serious concern that he may have been subjected to ill-treatment and torture;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B (new)

B. whereas the PCA, once fully ratified, will be concluded for an initial period of 10 years, then renewed annually;

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 f (new)

7f. Underlines that freedom of movement is severely restricted and that the Turkmen authorities continue to arbitrarily restrict foreign travel; stresses that thousands of people are believed to feature on "blacklists" for travelling abroad, and young people have been stopped at the border on the basis of alleged concerns about their safety; underlines at the same time that policies for granting visas to travel to the country are highly restrictive, and among others, international human rights monitors are barred access;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes note of the constitutional reform announced for this year, possibly including a strengthening of the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches, reinforcing the role of Mejlis, and the creation of an office with the function of Ombudsman; notes, however, that the draft constitution abolishes the previous upper age limit of 70 years for presidential candidates, thus paving the way for President Berdymukhammedov to remain in office for life;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes note of the constitutional reform announced for ~~this year~~2016, possibly including a strengthening of the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches, and reinforcing the role of Mejlis~~, and the creation of an office with the function of Ombudsman~~; welcomes that one of the tasks provided by the NAPHR is the adoption of Law on the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) in accordance with the Paris Principles and recommendation of the UN treaty bodies, having the implementation term in 2016-2017;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes note of the constitutional reform announced for this year, possibly including a strengthening of the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches, reinforcing the role of Mejlis, and the creation of an office with the function of Ombudsman; encourages the process of constitutional reform as a positive development, but notes that it should be preceded by an open and inclusive public debate;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes note of the constitutional reform announced for this year, ~~possibly including a~~and encourages the government to strengthen~~ing of~~ the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches, reinforcing the role of Mejlis, and the creation of an office with the function of Ombudsman;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes note of the constitutional reform announced for this year, ~~possibly including a~~and encourages the government to strengthen~~ing of~~ the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches, reinforcing the role of Mejlis, and the creation of an office with the function of Ombudsman;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes note of the constitutional reform announced for this year, ~~possibly including a~~and encourages the further strengthening of the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches, reinforcing the role of Mejlis, and the creation of an office with the function of Ombudsman;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes note of the constitutional reform announced for this year, ~~possibly~~which should includ~~ing~~e a strengthening of the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches, reinforcing the role of Mejlis, and the creation of an office with the function of Ombudsman;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Points out that the NAPHR plan contains two main objective regarding the political and civil rights: to carry out a legal analysis of national legislation for compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights through implementation of recommendations, and to incorporate the UN recommendations related to civil and political rights into the national legislation, programmes and action strategies; welcomes that the NAPHR contains improvements of legislation, including from a human rights perspective, in the following fields: education, anti-corruption, National Bar Association, combating human trafficking, criminalising of domestic violence, employment and prevention of diseases;

Amendment 69 #

Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Calls on the Turkmen authorities to address the recommendations made by the OSCE/ODIHR5 , following the parliamentary elections in December 2013; notes that, according to the OSCE/ODIHR conclusions, the existence of ~~a third off~~two politicial part~~y, the Agrarian Party, since 2014~~ies, besides the ruling Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, is no substitute for a genuinely pluralistic environment which would provide for the functioning of a political opposition to the incumbent authorities; __________________ 5 Election Assessment Mission Final Report of 4 March 2014 by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), TURKMENISTAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS of 15 December 2013; http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/11601 1?download=true.

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B (new)

B. whereas economic and trade relations are of vital importance in improving the democratic, social and economic situation of citizens of Turkmenistan;

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Calls on the Turkmen authorities to ~~address~~consider the recommendations ~~made~~formulated by the OSCE/ODIHR, following the parliamentary elections in December 2013; notes the existence of a third official party, the Agrarian Party, since 2014; calls on the Turkmen authorities to reform legislation regarding political parties, ensuring that even anti-government parties are able to register without obstacles, so as to ensure political pluralism and competition; __________________ 5 Election Assessment Mission Final Report of 4 March 2014 by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), TURKMENISTAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS of 15 December 2013; http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/11601 1?download=true.

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Calls on the Turkmen authorities to address the recommendations made by the OSCE/ODIHR5 , following the parliamentary elections in December 2013; , which took place in a controlled political environment; notes the existence of a third official party, the Agrarian Party, since 2014; __________________ 5 Election Assessment Mission Final Report of 4 March 2014 by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), TURKMENISTAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS of 15 December 2013; http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/11601 1?download=true.

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

~~10. Stresses that Turkmenistan is party to most major international agreements;~~deleted

Amendment 73 #

Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses that Turkmenistan, like other countries, is party to most major international agreements;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Stresses that Turkmenistan is party to most major international agreements and therefore under the obligation to respect and protect human rights under all circumstances; expresses its readiness to increase EU support in the field of democratic principles and human rights, in particular by making full use of the European Instrument of Democracy and Human Rights and other means to support the reform process in the country;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes the ratification by Turkmenistan of a number of international treaties on human rights, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; notes that Turkmenistan is a party to over 130 international conventions and treaties that form the country´s basis for international and legal participation in enhancing human rights and freedoms; calls on Turkmenistan to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families;

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes the ratification by Turkmenistan of a number of international treaties on human rights; stresses, however, that Turkmenistan has a long way to go to align with EU human rights requirements;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes the ratification by Turkmenistan of a number of international treaties on human rights but deplores the fact that most of these treaties have not been implemented;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes the ratification by Turkmenistan of a number of international treaties on human right, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, forbidding forced evictions;

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Encourages Turkmenistan to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C (new)

C. whereas Turkmenistan plays an important role in the region as an exporter of gas, with the potential to become a significant importer into the EU;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Calls on the Government and Parliament of Turkmenistan to ratify the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court, including the compromise secured in Kampala on the fourth pillar of international jurisdiction;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Underlines the need for the European Parliament to closely follow and monitor developments in Turkmenistan and the implementation of the PCA in coming years; calls, in this context, on the VP/HR to honour the agreement reached with her predecessor regarding a monitoring mechanism, allowing Parliament to be properly informed by the EEAS about the implementation of the PCA, once it enters into force, in the format of a functional monitoring mechanism, whereas the EEAS will provide information to the Parliament not limited to de-briefings on Human Rights Dialogues and enables the European Parliament to react to the developments on the ground in the event of no progress in human rights protection, and, in particular, of its objectives and of compliance with its Article 2;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Underlines the need for the European Parliament to closely follow and monitor developments in Turkmenistan and the implementation of the PCA in coming years; calls, in this context, on the VP/HR to honour the agreement reached with her predecessor regarding a monitoring mechanism, allowing Parliament to be properly informed by the EEAS about the implementation of the PCA, once it enters into force, in the format of a functional monitoring mechanism, whereas the EEAS will provide information to the Parliament not limited to de-briefings on Human Rights Dialogues and enables the European Parliament to react to the developments on the ground in the event of no progress in human rights protection and, in particular, of its objectives and of compliance with its Article 2;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Underlines the need for the European Parliament to closely follow and monitor developments in Turkmenistan and the implementation of the PCA in coming years; calls~~, in this context, on the VP/HR to honour the agreement reached with her predecessor regarding a~~ on the VP/HR to implement a PCA monitoring mechanism, for allowing Parliament to be properly informed by the EEAS about the implementation of the PCA, once it enters into force, and, in particular, of its objectives and of compliance with its Article 2;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Underlines the need for the European Parliament to closely follow and monitor developments in Turkmenistan and the implementation of all parts of the PCA in coming years; calls, in this context, on the VP/HR to honour the agreement reached with her predecessor regarding a monitoring mechanism, allowing Parliament to be properly informed by the EEAS about the implementation of the PCA, once it enters into force, and, in particular, of its objectives and of compliance with its Article 2;

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Welcomes the commitment made by the VP-HR in her letter to the Committee on Foreign Affairs on 16 December 2016, containing the following elements: - ensuring that the Parliament is properly informed about the implementation of the human rights and democratisation provisions of the PCA, including access to relevant information on the evolution of the situation of human rights, democracy and the rule of law and is briefed upon request ahead and following meetings of the Cooperation Council, subject to applicable confidentiality rules; - closer interaction with the EP and the civil society in the preparation of and debriefings on annual Human Rights Dialogues; - Parliament's consultation in preparation of updates of the EU Human Rights Country strategy for Turkmenistan;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Calls, in this regard, for the postponement of the consent procedure until the monitoring mechanism has not been finalised and agreed between the European Parliament and the EEAS;

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)

12b. Highlights the importance and necessity of a suspension mechanism of the PCA in the event of a documented and proven serious breach of any human rights;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)

12b. Takes the view, furthermore, that the ratification of the PCA should be conditioned upon the Turkmen government meeting concrete, measurable benchmarks based on recommendations made by the UN and the OSCE with regard, in particular, to enforced disappearances, prison access, arbitrary detention, freedom of movement, freedom of expression and access to information, freedom of association and access to the country;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)

12c. Calls for the sending of an ad hoc EP delegation to Turkmenistan before the ratification of the PCA in order to verify directly the situation on the ground and address the main concerns with the Turkmen authorities;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D (new)

D. whereas Turkmenistan has been undergoing a process of cautious reforms since 2006;

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Notes that the EU has held seven rounds of Human Rights Dialogue with Turkmenistan since 2008, and that while the last round in September 2014 was held in a constructive and open atmosphere, it has~~, disappointingly, so f~~ so far produced no results; points out that in their annual reports for 2015 Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are h~~ad very scant results~~ighly critical of the human rights situation in Turkmenistan and identify no real progress in the year in question, irrespective of the laws adopted in the past;

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Notes that the EU has held seven rounds of Human Rights Dialogue with Turkmenistan since 2008, and ~~that while~~ the last round in ~~September~~June 20145 was held in a constructive and open atmosphere~~, it has, disappointingly, so far had very scant results~~; recommends for the 2016 dialogue to address the tasks and activities on human rights progress provided by the NAPHR, including those regarding the political prisoners, the monitoring and visits of detention facilities and the improvements in civil liberties for persons and NGOs; encourages the Turkmen authorities to actively cooperate with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC);

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Notes that the EU has held seven rounds of Human Rights Dialogue with Turkmenistan since 2008, and that while the last round in September 2014 was held in a constructive and open atmosphere, it has, disappointingly, ~~so far had very scant resul~~not translated into meaningful and tangible improvements in protection of human rights, and remains thus far the only forum to exchange views between the parties on human rights;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Notes that the EU has held seven rounds of Human Rights Dialogue with Turkmenistan since 2008, and that while the last round in ~~September~~July 20145 was held in a constructive and open atmosphere, ithis and previous rounds of the Dialogue hasve, disappointingly, so far ~~had very scant results~~not resulted in any meaningful changes as regards the improvement of protection and promotion of human rights in Turkmenistan;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Notes that the EU has held ~~seven~~eight rounds of Human Rights Dialogue with Turkmenistan since 2008, and that while the last round in ~~September~~July 20145 was held in a constructive and open atmosphere, it has, disappointingly, so far had very scant results;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Notes that the EU has held ~~seven~~eight rounds of Human Rights Dialogue with Turkmenistan since 2008, and that while the last round in ~~September~~July 20145 was held in a constructive and open atmosphere, it has, disappointingly, so far had very scant results;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Notes that the NAPHR contains provisions regarding improvement of work on handling appeals and petitions of citizens as well as organisation of training seminars on electronic systems for appeals and register citizens' applications;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the invitation to Turkmenistan of a UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion in 2008, the first UN special rapporteur to visit the country; calls, at the same time, on the Turkmen authorities to allow entry to the remaining ~~nin~~twelve rapporteurs, all of whom have asked to visit the country;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Welcomes the invitation to Turkmenistan of a UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion in 2008, the first UN special rapporteur to visit the country; calls, at the same time, on the Turkmen authorities to allow entry to the remaining ~~nin~~twelve rapporteurs, all of whom have asked to visit the country;

Amendment 99 #