BAGIS SENDS A CLEAR MESSAGE TO EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ON TERRORISM

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis released a written message to mark the anniversary (1950) of the conclusion of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

In his message Bagis said the following:

“Gathering in Rome 61 years ago to conclude the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, members of the Council of Europe has lit a new light for the future. Guaranteeing the fundamental human rights and freedoms, this Convention is one of the most important international documents establishing the basis for universal values.

Signing this Convention on the very first day, Turkey has indicated the value it attaches to human rights and freedoms and has made a commitment to this effect.

This Convention establishes the essence of our democratization efforts and political reforms on the path to EU membership, which we have been pursuing with determination during the rule of our Government over the last decade. Attaining the universal values put forward in the Convention is our priority goal.

Signed 61 years ago, this document has never gained the importance it deserved until 3 November 2002. This date has been a milestone for Turkey, and since then Turkey has experienced a great democratic and economic transition under the leadership of our Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In the 9th anniversary of 2002 elections, we are sharing the democracy enthusiasm that Turkey has experienced with AK Party.

Today Turkey has already taken its place among countries that defend the universal values courageously and honestly at a universal scale, and has carried the torch of freedom that masses of people suffering under oppression have lit.

In this special day, we once more have to remember that no right is more valuable than the right to live. We especially want to remind this fact to those who have considered the PKK in Europe as a human right for years. It shouldn’t be forgotten that tolerating the PKK, would set new fires for the separatist terror organization in Europe.

Everyone has to share an ideal of a fair, peaceful and an independent world without terrorism, which is the key to ensure a livable world for everyone.