Cem Özdemir, MEP: A coup d'état is not acceptable in a democracy

Turkey sends confusing signals to Europe
Friday, July 11, 2008

'It should be very clear that a coup d’etat is under no conditions acceptable in a democracy. That, however, does not mean that the activities of the government justify everything. It has to be based on the democratic rule of law and the constitution,' says Cem Özdemir

FULYA ÖZERKAN

ANKARA – Turkish Daily News

When looked at from outside, Turkey presents a blurred and confusing image, given the closure case filed against the ruling party and a series of arrests of retired commanders accused of plotting attacks to overthrow the government, according to the two German politicians, underlining that the problems must be resolved within the lines of democracy and rule of law.

“Looking from outside, my feeling is that a lot of Turkish diplomats and politicians have a hard time understanding and explaining what is really going on,” Cem Özdemir, Turkish-born member of the European Parliament, told the Turkish Daily News in an interview late Wednesday.

While referring to the extensive police operation against a shadowy group dubbed “Ergenekon,” Özdemir said that it was not a new issue for people who follow the debates in Turkey. “I remember the Susurluk debate. Şemdinli could be mentioned, too. I really hope that this finally leads to results, that people find out who did what in the past and who is involved in such kinds of things that are beyond democracy and that cannot be justified,” he said.

“And it should be very clear that a coup d'etat is under no conditions acceptable in a democracy. That, however, does not mean that the activities of the government justify everything. It has to be based on democratic rule of law and the constitution.”

Özdemir and Renate Künast, both of Germany's Greens, were in Ankara Wednesday for meetings with Turkish officials. Their visit comes at a time when Turkey's domestic agenda is overburdened with a number of challenging issues.

“What I understand is that there is an old state or old power fearing the EU accession process, and on the other side there are the people who want to go on the road for democracy, rule of law and checks and balances,” Künast, member of the German Bundestag, told the TDN.

‘Turkey will lose time'

On the lingering court cases against the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, and the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party, or DTP, she said this cannot be allowed in democracy.
“You have to hold discussions; you have to try to get the majority in Parliament to build government, but you are not allowed to close down a party… I am very sure that all member states of the European Union will ask and push Turkey to change the rules,” she said.

Asked about impacts of the AKP's closure on Turkey's EU journey, Künast said: “We, as the Greens, always say EU talks will not be suspended, but I am sure that the minimum the EU will ask you to do is to change the law to really go on the way of democracy and law.”

But she admitted that EU talks would slow down if the ruling party were banned by the court. “You will lose time. The EU is a democratic organization. We are not hitting anyone for wrong decisions but it will be much more difficult for Turkey to go on the way. You will lose a lot of time,” she said.

‘No charismatic politicians in Europe'

For his part, Özdemir said he was rather optimistic that despite all the difficulties, Turkey would eventually head toward Europe and modernization, but expressed concerns over the absence of charismatic leaders abroad that could push and encourage Ankara to remain on the EU track.

“‘Listen, you are our ally, we belong together, we trust you and we are behind you,' that should be the message. Neither Mrs. Merkel nor Mr. Sarkozy would be very convincing in this respect,” said Özdemir.

Commenting on the fate of Turkey's accession talks during the term presidency of France, whose leader is a vocal opponent of Turkish membership in the EU, Özdemir said: “Sarkozy and the ones in Turkey who are against democracy and reforms are playing giving-and-go. I am not sure if Sarkozy is aware of his new circle of friends. But Sarkozy notwithstanding, Turkey should start its engine again and move on with EU reforms.”

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