Turkish Forum

Tag: European Parliament

  • Devils United

    Devils United

    nThe leader of the far-right British National Party wept as he saluted party members for helping win two seats in the European parliament.

    Nick Griffin was addressing delegates in a Blackpool hotel as part of the BNP’s “summer school” and Victory 09 celebrations.

    After listening to speeches by party bosses Mr Griffin was applauded to the stage.

    He managed just a “Thank you,” before he broke down. He thanked individuals and the collective membership for enabling two MEPs to be elected – himself in the North West and Andrew Brons in Yorkshire and the Humber.

    Speaking amid St George’s Cross bunting and sepia photographs of war veterans and impish little children, Mr Griffin applauded senior member Mark Collet, with whom he was cleared of inciting racial hatred in 2006.

    “The propaganda was exceptional,” he said of the BNP literature produced ahead of the local and Euro elections.

    Mr Griffin attacked the media for what he described as a smear campaign the likes of which he had never seen before. He attacked the three main parties for turning the country into a “multicultural bankrupt slum” and “organising and funding” the protesters against him.

    “Like a new boy at school,” was how he described visiting Brussels for the first time. But he said he had joined forces with other right-wing parties, forming “Devils United”.

    Outside The New Kimberley Hotel on the south promenade some 80 Unite Against Fascism members protested against the BNP.

    Four people were arrested near the protest, which police said was peaceful. The four were arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred.

    Press Association

  • Protesters descend on BNP leader

    Protesters descend on BNP leader

    bnpAnti-BNP protesters have stopped the party’s leader Nick Griffin from entering Euro election count in Manchester.

    Placard waving demonstrators surrounded a number of cars – one of which was thought to be carrying Mr Griffin – when they arrived at Manchester Town Hall.

    The cars, one of which apparently had a window broken, drove away without anyone getting out.

    Several dozen protesters had gathered outside the town hall to await the count.

    Mr Griffin is hoping to become the far-right BNP’s first MEP in the EU-wide election.

    Small crowds of noisy demonstrators had gathered around both entrances to the Town Hall.

    There was also a large police presence.

    A Manchester City Council spokeswoman said: “Nick Griffin has been driven away to avoid the protests that they have set up at both entrances.

    “He drove to one and could not get in then went to the other one and then was driven away.”

    The protesters were carrying “Don’t Vote BNP” banners and chanting “BNP is the Nazi Party”.

    The council spokeswoman said another attempt would be made to get Mr Griffin into the building.

    She said: “Griffin, as one of the MEP candidates, will have to gain access to the Town Hall at some point for the count.”

    ITN

  • Minority Nationalism in Belgium and Spain

    Minority Nationalism in Belgium and Spain

    Globalization and free market economy movements have strongly affected on the rise of minority nations’ voice.  Although European Union does not have any direct implementation on providing special rights and conditions for minority nations, reality of rising rights of minority nations and regions cannot be covered. While Catalonia, Flemish, Wales within the EU and Québec in NAFTA are getting stronger and minority national regions which are gaining rights on the way of becoming international actor. Each of them shows some differences from the one another in various areas like social and security rights, education, economic welfare, right to vote and elected. “Furthermore, as compared to Canada and the United Kingdom, Belgium presents a unique situation, in part because Flanders, the region where the sub-state nationalism is strong, is the country’s richest and most populated area.”

    Religion and linguistic differences of minority nations within a state trigs the demands on the right asked from the government and even independence. Because of the supports of organizations such as EU and NAFTA, minority nations in their member states become stronger in terms of linguistic, economic, and social areas in the state that they exist. The conditions in demanding on independence show slight differences especially among the members of EU.

    This article concentrates on two minority nations in EU which are Flemish and Catalans. By analyzing these two minority nations, article provides the reasons behind not only gained rights but also rights that they still demand. Education in their own language plays such an important role for minorities within a state. When we turn our face to Flemish and Catalans weare able to see that gaining educational rights in their own language was holding the importance on way to showing their existence.

    Flemish Case in Belgium

    Flanders, as a minority nation in Belgium, have been gained rights since industrial revolution which means in constant to general view as  Belgium Federate State have been established in 1993, it is not correct.  Decline of heavy industry, during 1950s, Flemish realized that they are richer than Walloons in terms of underground resources and do not would like to allow them to use Flemish’s underground resources anymore. In order to protect their own rights they had asked special rights for them. Although there is a constitutional rights have been given in 1993, since twenty years processes have been started on way of federalism. Process started by institutional reforms in 1970, so we can claim that Flemish were on the way of federalism more than twenty years before the official announcement in 1993. According to CAPRON H. and MEEUSEN W., with four consecutive state reforms, Belgium transforms to a federal state. These state reforms held in 1970-71, 1980-81, 1988-89, 1993-94, and 2001.

                As all minority nations’ common problem, Flemish made an effort to have linguistic and cultural equalities. They had a fear of grind under French speaking autonomy during the unitary system. According to STEPHENSON G.V., protection of the surrounding Flemish towns against loss of their cultural identity is vitally important. The reason behind the all tensions raised by minority nations in states as it happened in Belgium (Flemish), Spain (Catalonia and Bask region), and UK (Wales and Scotland) is participate in government and announce their presence as in part of that state.

    In Belgium, Flemish was achieving certain rights such as cultural, educational and social areas since 1970. “Besides the two ministers of culture mentioned earlier, there are two departments of education and two radio-television systems (BRT-Flemish and RTB-French).” Flemish was able to impress them more independently. KALAYCI H. claims that Flemish’ movements that having cultural demands in the first stage turned into political soon. Identity issue grow up from the Flemish in Belgium and comparably French speaking population called themselves as Walloon, just after the Flanders movements. So, by these inter-regional transfers Walloons and Flemish were became power sharing groups under the umbrella of unitary Belgium.

    Globalization and increase the economic developments highly effected the role and position of minority nations especially in European Union. “Belgium, following the adoption of a new federal constitution in 1995, allowed its regions of Flanders and Wallonia to sign treaties and other agreements with sovereign states and have an international role that equals and sometime surpasses that of the Belgian State itself.”Flanders took a chance to enjoyed benefits and opportunities provided by industrial movements and globalization.  New federal constitution in 1995 brings the opportunity to Flemish to right to have an education in their own language.

    Belgium have been tried to minimize the tensions by providing some equalities to both Flemish and Walloons. Minorities who have gained equal rights in Belgium were not going to demand independence anymore which means that Belgium have been played all cards that it has in order to hold state as it is.

    Asymmetric Federalism in Spain Instead of Separation

    Catalans shows slight differences from among the seventeen regions in Spain, because they have linguistic and wealth differences from the others. By 1978 constitution, after Franco’s dictatorship, Catalans demanded some extra rights from Madrid because they accepted themselves as a different nation from the others in Spain.  Spanish Parliament has been provided not only linguistic rights but also opportunity of impressing themselves to Catalans by media.

    Spanish constitution avoided using the term “federal state” to protect the tensions of possible separation in Spain. “The Spanish constitution establishes ‘the indissoluble unity of Spanish Nation’ (article 2) and defines the ‘Spanish People’ as subject of ‘National Sovereignty’ (article 1).” As it is clearly mentioned in the Spanish constitution, Spanish parliament resist on division by independence. Instead of losing part of its own territory, parliament accepted to give Catalans some more rights than the other by taking into consideration of their historically differences in terms of wealth and also language. The solution that Spanish Parliament has been found is providing the rights that Catalans demands and form Spanish state by eliminating the differences among regions.

                Catalans’ ultimate aim is achieving a sit within a European Parliament. Although they have a right to attend some kind of issues related by their own policy areas, they reject the limitation and ask for actual sit like an actual state. “Spanish autonomous communities’ participation in EU decision-making process is limited to series of policy-specific Sectoral Conferences as well as the Conferencia para Asuntos Relacionados con la Comunidad Europea (CARCE) (Sectoral Conference Relating to EU Affairs), chaired by the Minister of Public Administration. ” Catalans may participate in EU Parliament only their own policy related issues are going to be discussed on the agenda.

    Conclusion

    Catalans and Flemish proved how minority nationalism plays such an important role within Europe and as a result of their attempt they have achieved their aims. Having even a limited sit within the EU Parliament have extreme important for awareness of their existence and the specialty of Catalan’s condition among the others. 

    On the other hand, Flemish, have been achieved their rights that exist today by five state reforms. Even today, there are still some disagreements between Walloons and Flemish. Because of disagreements, they had very problematic election in 2007.

    Briefly, the article have analyzed why minority nations and regions demands for some certain rights. Article support the strategy of providing rights to minority nations and regions in order to protection of separation of state. As long as given rights do not treat sovereignty and welfare of state, each and every minority have a right to take education in their own language, conditions for continuity of their own history of culture and also participate to parliament.

    REFERANCES

    1.    BELAND D., LECOURS A. , 2008 , “Nationalism and Social Policy”, Oxford University Press, US
    2.    BOURNE A.K. , 2004, “The EU and territorial politics within member states: conflict or co-operation?”, BRILL
    3.    CAPRON H., MEEUSEN W. , 2000, “The National Innovation System of Belgium”, Published by Springer, Belgium
    4.    GAGNON A., TULLY J. , 2001, “Multinational Democracies”, Cambridge University Press, USA
    5.    JAMES P., MICHAUD N., O’REILLY M.J., “Handbook of Canadian Foreign Policy”, Lexington Books, Canada, 2006
    6.    KALAYCI H., “Üniter Devletten Federasyon’ a Belçika’da ne değişti?”, Stratejik Analiz Dergisi, Ocak 2006
    7.    KALAYCI K., “Avrupa Birliği ve Mikro Milliyetçilik” , Stratejik Analiz Dergisi, Mayıs 2006
    8.    STEPHENSON G. V., “Cultural Regionalism and the Unitary State Idea in Belgium”, Geographical Review, Vol. 62, No. 4 (Oct., 1972), American Geographical Society 


     

    Behre Ünverdi  – Caspian Weekly

    Eastern Mediterranean University

    Department of International Relations

  • Turkey rejects Cyprus warning, urges EU to keep own promises

    Turkey rejects Cyprus warning, urges EU to keep own promises

    Erdogan slammed the EU for failing to ease the economic isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)

    2006-11-09 13:16:13 Today Online, November 9, 2006

    Turkey rejected an EU warning that its failure to grant trade privileges to Cyprus might derail its accession to the bloc, but pledged commitment to reforms and said the responsibility of keeping membership talks on track “falls more on the EU.”

    Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed that Turkish sea and air ports would remain off limits to Greek Cypriot vessels if the European Union fails to deliver on promises to ease trade and travel restrictions on the breakaway Turkish Cypriots.

    He acknowledged there could be a “period of stagnation” in ties with the EU, but ruled out the possibility of accession talks collapsing a little more than a year after they began in October 2005.

    The European Commission had issued earlier on Wednesday a critical report on Turkey’s progress towards membership, urging Ankara to improve human rights and fulfil obligations on Cyprus or face the consequences at a summit of EU leaders on December 14-15. “The Cyprus problem is a political problem and it does not constitute an obligation with respect to our negotiating process, which is of a technical nature,” a Turkish government statement said.

    “An EU summit decision that will guarantee the sustainability of the process will depend on the political vision of EU leaders regarding the EU’s future,” it said. “The responsibility at this point falls more on the EU than on Turkey.” Erdogan slammed the EU for failing to ease the economic isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Ankara, under promises made in April 2004 when the Turkish Cypriots voted in favor of a UN plan to end Cyprus’ 32-year division.

    The plan was massively rejected by the Greek Cypriots, who joined the EU in May that year, with the Turkish Cypriots left out in the cold. “If the restrictions on the TRNC are not lifted we will not give up the determination we have displayed so far on the issue of ports,” Erdogan told reporters. “Our decision on that is definite.”

    Ankara is under pressure to open its ports to the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government of EU-member Cyprus under a customs union pact with the bloc. Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul pledged support for efforts by Finland, the current holder of the EU presidency, to resolve the stalemate before the critical EU summit next month.

    “Turkey will maintain its constructive attitude,” he said. “We hope there will be positive developments (but) everybody concerned should display a reconciliatory and sincere will for a solution.” Ankara accuses the Greek Cypriots of using their EU membership as leverage to extract concession from Turkey on the Cyprus conflict.

    With elections looming next year, the government is also under pressure due to dwindling public support for EU membership amid what Turks widely see as endless EU lecturing and demands in a process that does not even guarantee ultimate accession.

    Finland’s efforts suffered a blow last week when planned talks were scrapped as the parties failed to agree on their format.

    Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat said Wednesday the Finnish proposals had no chance of success because they were “unbalanced,” the Anatolia news agency reported. “When the EU decided to lift our isolation, they did so to reward our ‘yes’ vote to the UN plan,” Talat said. “We are not obliged to give anything in return for that now.”

    The Commission report also highlighted human rights problems in Turkey, including ones relating to freedom of speech, the use of torture and women’s and minority issues. Ankara said it did not agree with some of the criticisms in the report, but stressed its commitment to reform to catch up with EU standards.

    “Reform is a continuous process,” the government statement said. “Naturally, we will continue to do what is necessary… The government is fully determined to do that.”

    Shortly before the Commission issued the report in Brussels, Erdogan said Turkey was determined to pursue its membership goal despite the difficulties.

    “Suspension, rupture… these are impossible,” he said. “Our efforts will continue. Even a country like Great Britain waited 11 years to become a full member.” – AFP

  • TOP BRITISH DIPLOMAT OFFERS UK’S SUPPORT TO TURKEY ON A RANGE OF ISSUES

    TOP BRITISH DIPLOMAT OFFERS UK’S SUPPORT TO TURKEY ON A RANGE OF ISSUES
    Wednesday, 13 May 2009
    “I think it should be absolutely applauded that Turkey has undertaken these bold steps,” said the top British diplomat in Turkey, referring to the diplomatic process of normalization between Turkey and Armenia.”I think it should be absolutely applauded that Turkey has undertaken these bold steps,” said the top British diplomat in Turkey, referring to the diplomatic process of normalization between Turkey and Armenia.

    In an interview with Today?s Zaman, British Ambassador Nick Baird described a visit made by Turkish President Abdullah GЭl to Armenia last September as “very courageous.’ The trip set off a series of diplomatic initiatives to normalize relations between Turkey and Armenia, beginning with the possibility of opening their border, which was closed in 1993. Baird acknowledged that the issues in the Caucasus are complex but offered his government?s help to facilitate a thaw between neighboring countries. ?We are hugely keen to help solve the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and we are very supportive of the Minsk process,’ he said. The Minsk Group was created in 1992 under the umbrella of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) with the intention of finding a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. The Minsk Group is co-chaired by Russia, the United States and France. Recalling that the United Kingdom had offered to open British archives to help settle a dispute over tragic events that happened in 1915, Ambassador Baird said Turkey?s suggestion of establishing a joint history commission to investigate genocide allegations is ?a good one and we absolutely support it.’ He revealed, however, that the UK was never asked to participate in such a commission or provide a historian. ?If we are asked to do so, we would be happy to consider it,” he said.

    Asked if he is concerned about Russia being a disruptive influence on regional peace, Baird said, “I very much hope that Russia will play a constructive role in the Caucasus.’ ?They [Russians] have a great interest in political stability in the region,’ he emphasized, indicating that some positive signs have already emerged on the Russian side in solving the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Baird believes the current economic crisis has resulted in one positive development, albeit unintentionally. ?It reminded us how we are so interconnected with each other,’ he said. ?The energy-rich countries like Russia all want stability in client states so that they can pay their bills without a delay,’ the British ambassador noted. On the Nabucco project, a pipeline that will carry Caspian oil to Europe through Turkey, Baird said, ?We are making progress and having successful negotiations despite some political difficulties with Moscow.”

    Close cooperation on terrorism

    The UK?s top representative in Ankara described the level of cooperation with Turkey on terrorism as “very strong.’ After a visit from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith on Jan. 5-7, cross-agency involvement in combating terrorism has picked up speed, according to Baird. The UK considers the outlawed Kurdistan Workers? Party (PKK) – an armed Kurdish group waging a separatist battle in the Southeast – a terrorist organization. ?This classification gives us certain powers in terms of the seizure of its financial assets and the cutting of its activities,’ Baird explained. He further remarked, ?There is a noticeable increase in the number of terrorist arrests in the UK, and the Turkish government recognizes the increased commitment by British authorities.” On the European front, Baird hinted that his government was trying to cooperate in developing an action plan against the PKK?s terrorist activities throughout Europe.

    Commenting on the Kurdish problem, the ambassador urged a broader and more comprehensive action plan, saying, “Complex problems need complex responses.’ He said Turkey needs to address security measures, economic development, assistance programs, protecting cultural rights and having good relations with the Kurdish regional government in northern Iraq as a single package. Acknowledging the progress the Turkish government has made so far, Baird said, ?We see genuine improvements in Turkey.’ Discussing Iraq, the ambassador praised Turkey?s foreign policy and its focus on fostering political stability in the war-torn country. He acknowledged the importance of Turkey?s encouragement for the Sunni minority to remain engaged in the political system. ?The surprise visit of Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr to Turkey earlier this month did not go unnoticed,’ he added. The visit showed Turkey?s leverage on the Shiite population in Iraq as well. Relations with Iraq also carry huge economic importance for Turkey as the trade volume between the two countries has grown to $5 billon annually. ?Turkey is indisputably the most important neighbor of Iraq,’ Baird stressed, adding that the UK supports the transit of significant amounts of Iraqi gas through Turkey. Turkey is very much involved in the economic development of Iraq, especially in the northern part where most Kurds live. ?We are trying to enhance economic cooperation, especially in the Basra area in the south that was controlled by British forces,’ Ambassador Baird said. Turkey already maintains a consulate in Basra to keep an eye on economic opportunities. The British ambassador explained how crucial it is for NATO to have Turkey?s involvement in Afghanistan. ?The terrain in Afghanistan is very similar to one you have in Turkey and your gendarmerie is very experienced in handling security in tough geography,’ he said, ?so the training of Afghanis by the Turkish military is very important for stability in Afghanistan.’ Turkey is also providing aid and development assistance to Kabul and has contributed substantially in the reconstruction of the country by building schools and hospitals in and around Kabul. ?I?m trying to get more involvement from the Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency [TİKA],’ Baird said. TİKA is a Turkish government agency charged with delivering aid and development assistance throughout the world. With news coming out of Pakistan of violent clashes between the military and the Taliban, Ambassador Baird seemed very concerned about the stability of the country, describing the situation as ?very troublesome.’ ?What we ought to do is to provide economic help, support the army and restore political stability,” he said. Turkey?s role in assisting Pakistani government

    Stressing that Turkey plays an important role in assisting the Pakistani government, he said the Pakistani army must control the situation on the ground. “We have a substantial number of British citizens with Pakistani origin, and they are worried about their families and relatives back in Pakistan,’ he underlined. The ambassador reiterated his country?s support for Turkey?s full membership in the European Union, but cautioned that the Cyprus issue posed a major challenge along the way. He conceded that resolution of the Cyprus issue is a very painstaking process but sounded hopeful as the process is again under way after a period of no talks. He urged leaving the past where it is supposed to be and moving on. Baird said that if the Cyprus issue were resolved, there would be huge infusion of EU aid to Turkish Cypriots, amounting 250 million euros. ?Considering the northern Turkish part is very small, the aid would be one of the largest per capita assistances within the EU,’ he claimed. Ambassador Baird also provided an update on the previously announced British University that is to be launched in Turkey shortly. Though he conceded that the process is slow and has been hindered at times, Baird said, ?We find the Turkish side to be flexible, and the work is in progress.” The bulk of the problem seems to have been caused by differences between the university systems in the two countries.
  • Ex-Turkish army chief says “e-coup” justified

    Ex-Turkish army chief says “e-coup” justified

    Fri May 8, 2009

    By Ibon Villelabeitia

    ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkey’s former army chief has defended a 2007 website intervention on presidential elections, branded an ‘e-coup’ by critics, as a justified defense of secularism against Islamist incursions.

    The comments marked a rare public explanation by a senior military figure of General Staff action in the political realm.

    The EU expects Turkey to reduce the influence of its military as part of terms for membership. While reforms by the Islamist-rooted government have cut their formal powers, the ‘e-coup’ affair confirmed the generals still saw themselves as ultimate guarantors of secularism, using all channels available.

    It also drew an unprecedented public rebuke for the military from the government.

    “I myself wrote this,” General Yasar Buyukanit, who retired in 2008, said late on Thursday in his first public comments on the subject. “It was Friday evening and I personally wrote it. The April 27 (2007) declaration puts emphasis on the Turkish armed forces’ sensitivity toward secularism.”

    Turkey’s military was criticized by the government, rights groups and the European Union for the statement posted hours after an inconclusive parliamentary vote on electing ex-Islamist Abdullah Gul as president. The wording suggested the army would not stand on the sidelines if it saw secularism threatened.

    The military has frequently intervened in Turkish politics in the past, sometimes by discreet communications to leaders, sometimes by public declarations and, on two occasions since 1960, by outright armed coups. The ‘e-coup’ acquired distinction as the first time the General Staff had used the internet.

    Turkey, predominantly Muslim, has a secular constitution. The military regards itself as the guardian of Turkey’s secular principles based on founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

    Buyukanit’s 2007 statement said the military had been watching the election situation with concern and reminded politicians the military was the ultimate guardian of secularism.

    Tensions between the ruling AK Party, which has roots in political Islam and was first elected to power in 2002, and the secularist establishment, including army generals, judges and academics, has heightened political tensions in Turkey.

    The secularist elite had campaigned hard against the appointment of Gul as president. They said his appointment would undermine the strict separation of state and religion and would allow the AK Party too strong a grip on power.

    Gul, who denies harboring any Islamist designs for Turkey, was finally elected president on August 28, 2007 after several attempts and court challenges.

    The row moved the government to call an early parliamentary election in July 2007, which produced an overwhelming victory for the AK Party.

    COURT RULING VINDICATION

    Buyukanit told broadcaster Kanal D in a rare interview that a ruling by Turkey’s top court in 2008 to fine the AK Party for anti-secular activities had vindicated the armed forces’ position.
    “The Constitutional Court’s decision justified us. We thought that what we did was the right thing,” he said.

    Hardline secularists accuse the AK Party of harboring a hidden Islamist agenda by seeking to ease restrictions on religion in public life, such as its failed attempt to ease a ban on Muslim headscarves at universities.

    The AK Party, Turkey’s most popular party with a strong following in the Anatolian conservative heartland, denies this.

    The military has since toned down its public criticism of the AK Party. But tensions remain due to a controversial investigation into a shadowy, right-wing group accused of plotting to overthrow the AK Party government.

    Retired generals and active military officers have been charged for alleged links to the alleged organization. The military has denied any links. (Editing by Paul de Bendern and Ralph Boulton)