Doc. 8574

6 October 1999

Political solution to the Kurdish question in Turkey

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Ruffy and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and only expresses the views of the members who have signed it

1. The Assembly recalls that every Council of Europe member state has undertaken to guarantee human rights and the rights of minorities and expresses in this connection its grave concern for the situation of the Kurdish people in Turkey.

2. The Assembly considers that the Kurdish people in Turkey are entitled to have their political, social and cultural rights recognised.

3. A political solution to the Kurdish question in Turkey is therefore necessary in order to put an end once and for all to violations of the human rights of the Kurdish people and to establish the conditions for their economic and social development.

4. Such a solution must be based on respect for the territorial integrity of Turkey and must not be at the expense of the rights of the country’s other citizens.

5. In this context, the Assembly recalls the positions it recently took on the conflict in Kosovo, when it firmly upheld the rights of the Albanian population.

6. The Assembly reiterates its condemnation of all forms of terrorism and violence.

7. The Assembly accordingly requests the Committee of Ministers:

i.       to call on the Turkish authorities to open dialogue and negotiations with representatives of the Kurdish population of Turkey with a view to finding a political solution to the Kurdish question;

ii.       to take all necessary steps to facilitate this dialogue, such as organising a conference.

Signed : ¹

Ruffy, Switzerland, SOC

Bartumeu Cassany, Andorra, SOC

Behrendt, Germany, SOC

Briane, France, EPP/CD

Clerfayt, Belgium, LDR

Cubreacov, Moldova, EPP/CD

Einarsson, Sweden, UEL

Frey, Switzerland, LDR

Gjellerod, Denmark, SOC

Gross, Switzerland, SOC

Guirado, Spain, SOC

Jansson, Finland, LDR

Khunov, Ukraine, UEL

Laakso, Finland, UEL

Mikaelsson, Sweden, UEL

Popescu I., Ukraine, SOC

Saele, Norway, EPP/CD

Solonari, Moldova, SOC

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG:European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL : Group of the Unified European Left

      NR : Not registered in a group