EU throws its support behind Ergenekon probe, Kurdish initiative

The European Union executive body also devoted a significant portion of the report to the government's democratization initiative, also called the Kurdish initiative, and encouraged Ankara to take bolder steps on the matter. The Kurdish issue is one of the problems addressed by the democratization initiative. The government aims to find a comprehensive solution to the decades-old Kurdish question by granting more rights to the country's Kurdish citizens.

The report, which was made public in Brussels by EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn on Wednesday, stated that the ongoing Ergenekon trial is an “opportunity for Turkey to strengthen confidence in the proper functioning of its democratic institutions and the rule of law.”

The Ergenekon investigation started in June 2007 with the discovery of hand grenades at a house in İstanbul's Ümraniye district. Dozens of suspects, including members of the military, businessmen and journalists have been arrested for suspected links to the terrorist organization.

When reminded of the considerable change in the commission's attitude toward the Ergenekon probe when compared to last year and asked about the reason behind the shift, Rehn declined to give a direct answer at a press conference at which he made the report public.

The Ergenekon trial offers Turkey an opportunity to encounter undemocratic implementations in its past, Rehn said. “Turkey has shown renewed political reform efforts. Progress with its accession negotiations hinges on this momentum, especially the consolidation of fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. We welcome the recent consultations on an important Kurdish initiative which, I hope, will result in concrete actions for the rights of all Turks,” Rehn said at the conference.

Commenting on the report yesterday in Ankara, State Minister Egemen Bağış, Turkey's chief EU negotiator, called the report “balanced and positive” and said it verifies that Turkey is on the right track. He also blamed opposition parties for the shortcomings pointed out in the report, saying they have not lent their support to reform packages launched by the government. “I hope the opposition will practice what they are saying openly,” he said, criticizing them for their failure to back reforms required by the EU and their lack of support for Turkey's EU bid.

Bağış said his government has already addressed or intends to tackle shortcomings mentioned in the report. He underlined that the report, for the first time, gave a credit to efforts by the government to address the status of Heybeliada's Halki Seminary, which the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate has been fighting to reopen. “We are working to find a resolution to the case,” he noted.

In Brussels, referring to the signing of protocols by Armenia and Turkey over the weekend for restoring their diplomatic ties and reopening their border, Rehn said: “I'm encouraged by the historic steps Turkey and Armenia have just taken towards normalizing their relations. This process should now lead to full normalization as soon as possible.”

Notably, Rehn, while urging Turkey to normalize its relations with the Greek Cypriot administration, didn't refer to any deadline or punishment for Turkey's refusal to implement an additional protocol to the customs union between Turkey and the EU. The protocol, known as the Ankara Protocol, would pave the way for opening Turkey's ports and airports to Greek Cypriot traffic.

At an EU summit in 2006, when EU leaders froze eight negotiation chapters due to said refusal, they also stated that they would review the situation by the end of 2009, that is to say probably at an upcoming December summit of EU leaders.

The progress report also took note of a record tax fine issued to Doğan Media Holding, Turkey's largest media group. “The high fines imposed by the revenue authority potentially undermine the economic viability of the group and therefore affect freedom of the press in practice. There is a need to uphold the principles of proportionality and of fairness in these tax-related procedures,” the report said.

Basic issues highlighted in the report:

Ergenekon: The investigation of the alleged criminal network Ergenekon has led to serious criminal charges, involving military officers and nationalist circles. This case is an opportunity for Turkey to strengthen confidence in the proper functioning of its democratic institutions and the rule of law. It is important that proceedings in this context fully respect the due process of law, in particular the rights of defendants.

Civilian oversight of security forces: Overall, some progress has been made, in particular on limiting the jurisdiction of military courts. However, senior members of the armed forces have made statements on issues going beyond their remit, and full parliamentary oversight of defense expenditure needs to be ensured. The alleged involvement of military personnel in anti-government activities, disclosed by the investigation on Ergenekon, raises serious concerns.

Judicial system: Overall, some progress has been made in the area of the judiciary. The adoption by the government of a judicial reform strategy following a process of consultation with all stakeholders is a positive step. The measures taken to increase staff and funding are also positive. However, these efforts need to be continued, and concerns remain with regard to the independence, impartiality and effectiveness of the judiciary, such as the composition of the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) and the establishment of the regional courts of appeal.

President: Against the background of a confrontational political climate between the main political parties, the president made efforts to promote dialogue between political parties and civil society as well as sound operation of the state bodies. He repeatedly recalled the importance of Turkey's accession process and called for an acceleration of EU-related reforms. The president continued to play an active role in foreign policy and travelled extensively abroad. His trip to Iraq, the first of a Turkish president in 33 years, contributed to a positive atmosphere as regards the Kurdish issue.