Foreign Minister Ali Babacan has stated that Turkey will make not make concessions on freedoms or security in its fight against the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

FM Babacan meets Dutch FM - 11 / 10 / 2008 09:13

Foreign Minister Ali Babacan has stated that Turkey will make not make concessions on freedoms or security in its fight against the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

"We will not make concessions on freedoms for security, and we will not make concessions on security for freedoms," Babacan said yesterday, speaking at a press conference he held with his Dutch counterpart, Maxime Verhagen, who was on a working visit to Turkey upon an invitation from Babacan.

"We will carry out our work on these issues in a way that will best fit the Turkish nation and in accordance with the norms in the world and the EU," he stressed.

Babacan's remarks came in the aftermath of discussions over whether a demand by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) for an increase in authority may lead to restrictions on human rights and freedoms.

A deadly PKK attack on a military outpost in the eastern province of Hakkari on Oct. 3 that left 17 Turkish soldiers dead sparked suspicions amongst some over the quality of military intelligence and border security.

Some military officers, however, pointed to limitations of the TSK's authority and Turkey's anti-terrorism laws, which allegedly restrict the military's ability to mobilize and combat terrorist attacks in a short time.

"We had a very fruitful discussion with the Higher Counterterrorism Board (TMYK) [on Thursday]. It is not possible for us to compromise on freedoms or security," Babacan went on to say.

Verhagen expressed his sadness over recent deadly attacks against Turkish security forces and said the Netherlands condemns such assaults in the harshest manner possible.

"This tragedy has shown once more that we need to combat terrorism altogether. We need to fight terrorism with the same determination. However, when doing this, we shouldn't make concessions from human rights," he said.

He also stressed that the fight against terrorism can be carried out hand in hand with respect for human rights.

"We denounce terrorism, as it is a human rights violation. However, we should protect our values when combating terrorism," he added.

When asked when Turkey would be ready for full membership in the EU, Babacan said he believes Turkey will say it is ready for full membership earlier than the EU.

"We will be ready for the EU before the union itself. Here we need to ask when the EU will be ready for Turkey. Turkey's membership is something related to the union's internal dynamics," he explained.

Verhagen said the Netherlands would be pleased to see Turkey as an EU member provided that the country fulfills criteria the necessary for membership.

"The conditions are very clear. Turkey possesses the key for EU membership. We would be very pleased to help Turkey in this process," he added.