Jagland urges Turkey to continue dialogue

ANKARA

Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland has called on Turkey to ensure freedom of assembly that is exercised without constraints and warned against disproportionate use of force.

"I continue to follow the developments in Turkey very closely," Jagland said. "I call on all parties to continue the dialogue. Any further escalation of violence must be prevented."

Jagland recalled the standards for freedom of assembly set by the European Convention on Human Rights. "It is true that this right is not absolute but any restriction has to be prescribed by law and necessary in a democratic society," he said.

Regarding use of force, Jagland said, "In case security forces have to intervene with force, this intervention has to be strictly proportionate and necessary."

- "European politicians don't want to listen"

Turkish European Union Minister Egemen Bagis responded to Jagland's remarks on Monday.

"If Mr. Jagland examines the member states of the Council he presides over, he will see that the freedom of assembly is much more freely exercised in Turkey than in those countries," he said. 

"Everywhere in the world, during such societal events, police forces might occasionally overstep the limits of their mandate while fulfilling their duties," Bagis said. "Turkey has launched investigation on such cases. Three officers have been dismissed."

Bagis maintained it was "perplexing to see that those who invite Turkey to dialogue could see the continuing dialogue efforts in Turkey."

He continued, "Prime Minister Erdogan sat with protester representatives from diverse backgrounds in a meeting that lasted five hours. For four and a half hours, they spoke and he listened to them. Then he met with thinkers, artists and those who have different ideas about the events."

"Then he announced a decision. Yes, we will wait for the court’s decision on the development plan. And even if the court gives the go-ahead, a plebiscite will be held in Istanbul and the plan will be implemented or canceled according to the citizens’ views."

"Unfortunately, European politicians do not want to hear what we have to say, as they are influenced by the Western media which covers the events in a very biased fashion. But we will keep trying to explain.”