RESOLUTION B3-0559/93

Resolution on the problem of the Kurds in Turkey

The European Parliament,

A.welcoming the signs that both Kurdish Turks and the Turkish Government are seeking a realistic settlement of the disputes between them which will end the appalling bloodshed in South East Anatolia,

B.recognizing that the cease-fire, the willingness of some Kurdish leaders to speak of autonomy rather than independence and the willingness of Mr Demirel and Mr Inonu to consider the lifting of the state of emergency are important preliminary steps towards the resolution of this problem, which has caused so much suffering for generations,

C.welcoming the new freedom of the Turkish media which allows them to discuss the Kurdish problem,

D.gravely concerned by the continuing violence, such as the murder of five more journalists in Turkey in recent weeks,

E.recalling its resolution of 12 June 1992 on the rights of the Kurdish people,

1.Impresses on both sides the need to start negotiations between the Turkish authorities and the elected representatives of the Kurdish Turks on political and cultural rights for the Kurdish Turks and on establishing full respect for human rights;

2.Condemns the murders of journalists and other grave violations of human rights committed by both the security forces and the PKK;

3.Draws attention to the strong suspicions that the distinguished Turkish journalist, Mr Ugur Muncu, was murdered by agents of the Iranian Government, which continues to practice state terrorism internationally as well as in Iran;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, European Political Cooperation, and the Government and Grand National Assembly of Turkey.