Pittella: We urge Turkey to keep the Kurdish peace process alive

The S&D Group welcomes Turkey’s fresh commitment to step up its fight against the ISIS/Daesh following the heinous attack by the terrorist group against peaceful activists in the Turkish town of Suruc. The agreement to allow the use of the Incirlik airbase by the anti-ISIS coalition is an important step in the right direction. This should be complemented by improving the control of the Turkish-Syrian border and stepping up security measures against ISIS/Daesh cells in Turkey, as the Parliament has repeatedly asked the Turkish authorities to do.

Gianni Pittella, president of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, said:

“We welcome the decision of the Turkish government to officially start the fight against Daesh terrorism which is our global enemy. We warn the Turkish authorities to avoid any action against the political party HDP and the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) who are fighting Daesh terrorism in the northern Syria. We strongly believe that it is very important to keep the peace negotiations with the Kurdish alive.”

Richard Howitt MEP, the S&D Group foreign affairs coordinator, welcomed the package and stated:

“In the last few days we’ve seen a deeply disturbing trend of arrests of peaceful activists, including through use of the provisions of the internal security bill, which was criticised by the European Parliament. We fully support the efforts by the authorities to seek to arrest and prosecute suspected ISIS/Daesh militants, within proper legal norms. We also recognise Turkey’s right to defend itself from the violence of the outlawed Kurdish Worker’s Party (PKK). However, we strongly reject the criminalisation of peaceful dissent expressed by members and sympathisers of legal political parties under the pretext of the “war on terror”.

“Socialists and Democrats believe such actions risk diverting the attention and focus from the fight against ISIS/Daesh, which should be the main priority, and derail the Kurdish peace process in Turkey. In the past the Turkish government has shown courage and wisdom in pursuing peace and reconciliation with the country’s Kurdish population. We strongly urge the government to return to the path of dialogue and not to sacrifice the country’s long-term stability for the sake of short-term political gains. We equally call on the Kurdish political and community leaders to act with restraint and responsibility, and distance themselves from any violent acts.”

The two delegations met July 28 in their third meeting under the leadership of Haluk Koç from the CHP and Ömer Çelik from the AKP. The delegations are expected to meet every day until the end of this week before submitting a general report to the two chairmen.

Here are two parties’ positions on some of these themes:

New constitution: Given that the total seats of the two parties suffice to amend the constitution without the need of referendum, the AKP underlines its demand for “libertarian constitution based on equal and free citizenship.” The joining of AKP deputy Osman Can, an expert on constitutional law, to the delegation is an indication of this intention. The CHP has agreed to the renewal of the constitution, on the condition that it will be adopted as a result of a parliamentary compromise.

Kurdish question: Despite ongoing military campaign against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) camps in the northern Iraq, the AKP is in favor of the continuation of the Kurdish peace process. The social democrat party is not against the Kurdish peace process but has serious questions over its methodology. The CHP’s demands its continuation under the parliament roof. The two parties are also on the same page for reducing the 10 percent national election threshold.

Human rights and freedoms: In theory, the two parties do not disagree too much on these issues. But the CHP has serious criticisms over the Home Security Package, which was adopted just before the June 7 polls. Although the main opposition party believes that fundamental rights such as right to assembly, protest and freedom of expression have been violated, it will have no objection if these issues will be addressed in a protocol.

Judicial independence

Judiciary: One of the issues on the table on July 28 was judiciary. The CHP is of the opinion that judiciary has already lost its independence. Although the AKP does not share this view, it accepts that the judiciary has lost its credibility and reputation in the eyes of the people. One other common point between the two parties is the need of re-structuring the Judges and Prosecutors’ Supreme Board (HSYK).

Parliamentary system: The AKP’S election manifesto promises the adoption of a presidential system. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu emphasized they would consider adopting the system through a new constitution. But the CHP is determined to keep the parliamentary system and wants constitutional amendments to remove vague points about the president’s powers in the current charter.

The much-controversial status of the president will also be on the agenda of the two parties as the CHP wants the imposition of customs and traditions in the appointment process of senior bureaucrats. The AKP also accepts that such appointments should be made within the knowledge and consent of the coalition partner.

Economic and social policies

Central Bank: Both parties agree on the need of maintaining the independence of the Central Bank. Similar lines have been taken on issues concerning interest rates, inflation and growth.

Financial policies: The AKP finds the CHP’s promises to increase minimum wage and exempt farmers from paying taxes for the gas they use as groundless and populist. The CHP’s promise of two bonus salaries for the retired may not be put into practice, either.

Social state: There is agreement on the two parties’ approaches and projects. There are minor points of disagreement about the methodology in the implementation of these projects.

Fight against corruption: Both parties’ lines about the fight against corruption and transparency are similar. The corruption cases on four former ministers should be debated at the parliament, the CHP believes. The AKP, however, believes the issue should be closed, as the next government will actively fight against corruption.

Foreign policy matters

Foreign: The AKP and the CHP’s views on the Cyprus issue and Turkey’s EU process overlap. However, foreign policy stands one of the most difficult issues for compromise, as CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu insists on an overall re-calibration of the country’s policy towards the Middle East. Turkey’s declaration of “war” on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is a positive development for the CHP but Davutoğlu’s labeling of his Syria policy as a “legend” and signaling no change in ties with Egypt, Israel and other regional countries worries the CHP.

Picture to be clearer Aug 3

The two delegations are expected to intensify talks until the end of July and submit a general report outlining the positions of the two sides to their leaders before Aug. 3, the day the Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) meets. The issues on the fight against the corruption, strengthening parliamentary democracy, financial policies and foreign policy are expected to be negotiated at the leaders’ level.

In addition to these, the distribution of ministries will also be decided by leaders Kılıçdaroğlu and Davutoğlu. In the meantime, there are unconfirmed reports about a secret meeting between the two leaders to reconcile on some of the disputed issues.

July/28/2015

Hurriyet Daily News

download

Reacting to this morning’s news of a suicide attack on a socialist youth gathering in Suruc in Southern Turkey Sergei Stanishev, Party of European Socialists (PES) President said:

‘The fact that a group of socialist young people in Turkey have been massacred as they prepared to volunteer in Syria, is so abominable that it is beyond belief.’

‘These Turkish and Kurdish young people were socialists – they believed in solidarity between peoples. Acting on those principles, they were in Suruc before they set off to help with the reconstruction of the Syrian town of Kobane. It is nothing short of abominable that they were reportedly the victims of a suicide bomber attack.’

‘I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the attack. We must stop these disgusting attacks from happening and from tearing our young people away from their families. Cooperation is urgently needed in the fight against Islamic State extremists. I urge all parties to join forces to combat Islamic State in Turkey and elsewhere in the region.’

PES member CHP President Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu condemned the “insidious” attack in Suruç and immediately sent a delegation of 10 Members of Parliament to the area.

PRESS RELEASE Strasbourg, 10 June 2015 Pittella: The negotiation process with Turkey must now be accelerated European Socialists and Democrats stress the importance of today’s adoption, by the European Parliament, of the progress report on Turkey, underlining that Turkey and the EU are and must remain strategic partners. The S&D Group in the European Parliament calls on EU Institutions and member states to honour their engagement vis-a-vis Turkey’s European ambitions. Gianni Pittella, president of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, said: "The negotiation process with Turkey must be continued and accelerated. Accession negotiations particularly in the area of fundamental rights, justice and home affairs must start without further delay in order to help Turkey to strengthen justice stability and democracy in the country. "The results of the latest election showed that Turkey’s people, in line with European values, want political pluralism as well as multicultural and multi-religious society. Intimidation of the media is unacceptable and the new government must ensure freedoms of the press and of expression are upheld." Kati Piri MEP, rapporteur on Turkey, stated: "Despite the serious concerns we have about certain developments in the country, now is not the moment to turn away from Turkey. We have to create a permanent platform for dialogue in order to make progress in the areas of fundamental rights and the rule of law. The accession negotiations are the best framework for this, as we also want the EU to remain the benchmark for the reform process in Turkey. It is very important that with today’s vote, the European Parliament has given a clear signal that it wants to remain constructively engaged with a new Turkish government."

About the S&D Group: The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (the S&D Group) is the second largest political group in the European Parliament with 191 members from all 28 EU member states. We stand for an inclusive European society based on principles of solidarity, equality, diversity, freedom and fairness. We promote social justice, jobs and growth, consumer rights, sustainable development, financial market reforms and human rights to create a stronger and more democratic Europe and a better future for all citizens.

DOWNLOAD :

EP-TURKEY Resolution 2014.pdf

(2014/2953(RSP))

As adopted in Strasbourg this Wednesday 10th of June 2015

Download

EP-TURKEY Resolution 2014.pdf

Chart: Hürriyet Daily News

Initial election results 2015:

AKP 40.86% of the vote and 258 deputies

CHP 24.96% of the vote and 132 deputies

MHP 16.29% of the vote and 81-82 deputies

HDP 13.12% of the vote and 80-82 deputies

Main facts:

• Turkey’s general election on June 7 took place with a record 86 percent turnout.
• The AKP looks to have lost about 70 seats, and is 17 short of a majority.
• 276 seats needed to form single party government.
• 367 seats are needed to change the constitution directly, 330 seats to call a referendum to change the system.
• The number of women in the Turkish parliament has increased from 79 in 2011 to 96 in 2015 – a record high. The AKP is the only party to have less female MPs than in 2011.  (the Guardian). Rose from 14% to 17%.
• For the first time ever, the estimated 6 million Roma citizens of Turkey will be represented in the Turkish parliament by CHP İzmir Deputy Özcan Purçu.
• Christian citizens of Turkey will be represented in the Turkish parliament in greater number after a long absence as four members of the community. Selina Doğan, from the CHP, was elected as the first deputy candidate from the second election area of the CHP’s Istanbul list. Doğan, who is of Armenian origin, practices law as an attorney. Garo Paylan and Erol Dora from the HDP and Markar Esayan from the AKP.
• In addition to the four Christians, two members of Turkey’s small Yazidi community were also elected for the HDP – Feleknas Uca from Diyarbakır and Ali Atalan from Batman.

Distribution of the CHP votes in 2015 elections

Source: AA News Agency

“Erdogan, who placed himself at the center of a fractious and sometimes violent campaign, made no comment immediately after the results on Sunday.

As the Turkish president zigzagged the country for a month, holding rallies billed as opening ceremonies in an attempt to preserve his constitutional impartiality, he deployed bellicose rhetoric to attack his political enemies and convince voters to back his bid for more authority. competing for airtime with opposition leaders and his own prime minister, Mr. Erdogan repeatedly attacked the Western press and issued warnings that a foreign-led conspiracy was seeking to halt Turkey’s re-emergence as a great power, a century after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

In response, opposition parties railed against Mr. Erdogan and the government for corrupting the state and resorting to autocratic moves to stifle dissent and erode the rule of law. As the campaign moved to a crescendo, there were violent attacks on all parties, culminating in the twin bombings of an HDP rally in the majority kurdish southeastern city of Diyarbakir that left two people dead and more than 100 injured.

All three opposition parties said they wouldn’t partner with the AKP in a coalition.”  (Wall Street Journal) 

***

End of AKP Rule

“Now, for the first time in 13 years, The AKP no longer holds the 50% majority it needs to form a single-party government, reflecting strong public opposition to Recep Tayyip Erdogan‘s highly controversial rule.

After coming into power in 2002, with Erdogan as Prime Minister, the AKP government reversed many of Turkey’s secular principles and introduced its own style of authoritarianism.

Last August, as Erdogan won Turkey’s first ever presidential election by a simple majority of 52%, his roles as Prime Minister and leader of the party were carried on to Davutoglu – the former Minister of Foreign Affairs. To mark the occasion, Erdogan built himself a $615 million palace using taxpayer money, causing public outrage over his plans to rule the country through an executive Presidential system described as “quasi-dictatorial” by the opposition.

Due to its serious attacks on freedom of speech and democracy, AKP’s critics are both nationally and internationally numerous. As a result of AKP’s rule, Turkey currently ranks as 149th out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index, making it one of the least free countries on the planet despite its position in Eastern Europe.

In 2013, thousands of citizens were either killed or imprisoned during the Gezi Park Protests, and journalists who dare criticise the government are frequently arrested and imprisoned.

In the past decade, AKP has fined TV stations for blasphemy, banned access to both Youtube and Twitter in order to cover up video proof of Erdogan stealing government funds, trialled leftist military officers with fake charges of “coup plans”, banned alcohol between 10pm and 6am, displayed serious anti-Semitism, lobbiedagainst abortion rights, jailed more journalists than any other nation in the world, constructed the largest expansion of mosques in history using taxpayer money, and conspired a false flag attack on Syria.

It has also repeatedly insulted protesters by calling them “vandals” and “alcoholics”, removed the Turkish Republic’s “T.C.” initials from government buildings, taken control of Turkish media through bribery and arrest threats, banned advertisements and TV shows displaying alcohol, led to the death of 301 miners in Soma due to inadequate safety regulations, attacked citizens with chemically toxic water cannons, blamed critics of being controlled by Jews and “Jewish corporations”, and then blamed stray cats for a conveniently timed blackout during the 2014 local elections.”  (The Social Humanist) 

CHP Leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu:

Oppressive era ended through democracy. Long live democracy!

“CHP, the social democratic party, is led by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. CHP won 25% of the national vote, potentially giving them the chance to form a coalition government against AKP with either MHP or HDP in order to restore secularism to the republic.

As the founding party of the Turkish Republic, CHP was established in 1923 by Ataturk and governed the country for several decades. Today, it is the most prominent opposition to AKP. The party supports social democracy, secularism, civil and political equality for women, state support of the sciences, and free education.

Throughout AKP’s rule, CHP has consistently been against censoring of media, for freedom of speech, and for further integration into the European Union. In contrast to Erdogan’s cold relations with the United States and neighbouring countries, CHP adopts a more cooperative stance with more westernisation and secularism, rejecting AKP’s focus on traditional islamic values.”  (The Social Humanist) 

“The CHP manifesto includes measures to increase disability benefits, raise the minimum wage to 1,500 Turkish Liras and grant payouts to pensioners twice a year on religious holidays.

The party pledged to extend general health insurance to 3.2 million people as part of measures to combat poverty.

As part of its electoral campaign, the CHP announced plans to build a new mega city called “Central Turkey” (Merkez Türkiye) to serve as a trade hub between Europe, Asia and other continents.

The “mega city,” with a planned population of 3,000,000, will be completed by 2035 with $40 billion in public investment for infrastructure and $160 billion in private investment for superstructure. Powered by renewable energy and designed as a smart city, it will host production plants, logistics and trade facilities, research and development centers, techno parks, cultural institutions and a free trade zone.” (Hürriyet Daily News) 

Please also see CHP European Bulletin for the details: CHP’s economy-focused election manifesto and What is this Merkez Türkiye Project?

The 25.32 percent support will give the party around 132 seats in the 550-seat parliament. In remarks made at his CHP’s headquarters in Ankara late Sunday, Kilicdaroglu said: ” “We have ended an oppressive era through democratic ways. Turkey has won..Democracy is the real winner in the country’s 25th parliamentary elections, Long live democracy! We will continue to work with the same determination.” CHP President Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in a short speech after the elections.. CHP activists chanted slogans “Prime Minister Kemal”.

Separately, at a press conference late Sunday, CHP Vice-Chairman Haluk Koç said: “The AKP, which turned into an oppressive power, has been downscaled in Sunday’s election. The one-man regime charge has been lifted today.The real loser of this election is Mr. Erdoğan. There is no possibility that we can come together with the AKP” Koç said .

Borrowed votes to the HDP

The CHP was unable to increase its vote share due to the transfer of many votes to the HDP amid a campaign to ensure the party crossed the 10 percent electoral threshold.

“We are now on the verge of entering the Parliament with 80 delegates” told HDP Deputy Sırrı Süreyya Önder in a press conference held in Ankara. Önder also thanked the non-Kurdish voters including liberals and others who cast their ballots for the HDP, based on the mathematical calculation which indicated that the HDP passing the threshold would be a severe blow to the AK Party. “We understand the reality that we have won this election on borrowed votes.. we will never forget this and will honor their votes. We thank them.” (BGN News) 

Elections night and election fraud attempts

(This sections highlights collected from Today’s Zaman reportings)

Last night running theme in speeches of all Turkish opposition parties were about an unfair election, AKP’s use of state resources in the campaign as pointed out by Benjamin Harvey, Turkey Bureau Chief for Bloomberg on social media platform Twitter.

“CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu casts his vote in Ankara. Kılıçdaroğlu complained that the campaign process was not fair and said a deadly attack on an HDP rally in Diyarbakır on Friday was particularly saddening. In his remarks posted on Twitter on Sunday before the polling stations opened, the CHP leader had underlined that the election was not a “war” as some claimed, but “an important election.”

Votes from abroad

“A brawl has been reported between party observers at the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) during the counting of votes from abroad, over extra votes that were seen to fall out of one of the ballot boxes. According to the Doğan news agency, 76 extra votes came out of one of the ballot boxes during the counting. When some of the observers suggested the extra votes be burned at random, tension broke out at the ATO’s meeting center. Riot police intervened into the incident.”

Cyber Attacks

“The Cihan news agency is subjected to a barrage of cyber attacks. When the users tried to enter cihan.com.tr website, they faced a “404 — Not Found” warning, proving the website was hacked. Cihan news agency General Manager Abdülhamit Bilici said the agency’s website has been under heavy attack from unknown cyber groups with the aim of preventing the agency from reporting the election results to its readers and subscribers. Ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Gaziantep deputy Şamil Tayyar had said on the eve of the election that the Doğan news agency and Cihan might be hacked on the day of the election after voting finished at 5:00 p.m.”

Preliminary findings and conclusions on Turkish elections announced by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR)

Read>> 

Coalition government options

Coalition scenarios after Turkey’s elections Photograph: Anadolu Agency/The Guardian

In addition to the scenarios above, Reuters examines two more possible scenarios for Turkey:

1. AKP minority government. The AKP could seek to form a minority government, with the support of enough opposition deputies for it to win a confidence vote in parliament. The MHP is the most likely to support this move, but would again seek to extract concessions such as a guarantee of an early election. Analysts see little interest for the CHP or HDP in supporting such a move.
2. Early elections.If no working coalition can be formed, or a minority government fails to win a confidence vote within 45 days, the constitution gives Erdogan the authority to call an early parliamentary election. That election would have to be held 90 days later.

Download as PDF file:

Highlights of the 2015 Turkish Elections and the CHP

]]> http://chpbrussels.org/2015/06/09/highlights-of-the-2015-turkish-elections-and-the-chp/feed/ 0 chpbrussels Turkish Parliament 2015 Women Deputies CHP Votes - Elections 2015 DHA Photo KKilicdaroglu Coalition options http://chpbrussels.org/2015/06/08/pes-congratulates-its-member-parties-chp-hdp-with-historic-election-result/ http://chpbrussels.org/2015/06/08/pes-congratulates-its-member-parties-chp-hdp-with-historic-election-result/#comments Mon, 08 Jun 2015 17:27:43 +0000 http://chpbrussels.org/?p=1142 Continue reading →]]> Yesterday Turkish voters took to the polls to elect a new Parliament. Through massive participation in a peaceful democratic vote, they changed the outlook of the political landscape in Turkey. PES associate party HDP wrote history by surpassing the electoral threshold of ten percent, while CHP obtained the second highest result with 25% of the votes. President Erdogan’s AK Party lost the absolute majority, obtaining 41 % of the vote.

"After years of attempts to accumulate all the power in his own hands, limiting the freedom of expression, be it against the critical media or against opposition parties and dissenting social movements, Recep Tayyip Erdogan wakes up in front of a new Turkey raising its voice through a peaceful democratic vote", said PES President Sergei Stanishev. "Despite their diversity our two member parties can represent an alternative to a political dominion which lasted for more than a decade and seemed undefeatable. The European progressive family will continue to support the efforts of both CHP and HDP in uniting the country, defending civil and political rights and in promoting a social agenda which can face the current and upcoming challenges. Following this uncertain outcome it is important that all political forces contribute to the stability and development of Turkey in line with democratic values".

After such a strong showing of democracy, we are hopeful that the next Turkish government will respect the demands of the people, who clearly voted for a free, democratic and pluralistic society.

Watch the Video

]]> http://chpbrussels.org/2015/06/05/elections-in-turkey-european-social-democrats-support-the-chp/feed/ 1 chpbrussels PES Support Messages2 http://chpbrussels.org/2015/06/04/pessupportschp/ http://chpbrussels.org/2015/06/04/pessupportschp/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2015 13:46:44 +0000 http://chpbrussels.org/?p=1123 Continue reading →]]> Highlights:

• On Sunday 7 June, Turkish citizens will choose the 550 members who will represent them in the Turkish Parliament. The elections are taking place in a climate of increased restrictions of freedom, imposed by President Erdogan of the leading AKP Party. Recent crackdowns on media channels, journalists and social media networks have made it difficult for political parties to campaign. The electoral threshold of 10 per cent also represents a huge obstacle for smaller parties wanting to take part in the democratic debate.
• “The elections on Sunday are a big test for Turkey. CHP has concrete proposals, including raising the minimum wage, which will improve the lives of millions of Turkish citizens. They also support the lowering of the election threshold to 5%, an important step forward for democracy…This is time for a renewal…We will follow the elections with great attention, observing that they are free and fair. We hope for a positive, democratic and progressive outcome.” said PES President Sergei Stanishev.
• Even though Turkey has seen enormous economic progress in the last decade, the last few years have known a decline in fundamental freedoms. The Gezi protests of 2013, which started out as a reaction against the construction of a shopping centre in a public park, ended up representing an outcry of the people against the curtailing of their rights.

Read more