The Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Prime Minister, Mr Erdogan,

            as members of the European Parliament – and among us there are many who voted for the opening of EU-Turkey accession negotiations – we are particularly shocked at what is happening in Diyarbakir and at the way in which the Turkish authorities are dealing with the current crisis.

            It is unacceptable that the Kurds of Turkey, a community of at least 18 million people, cannot exercise any significant fundamental right related to their cultural, social and political identity, and that the government in Ankara refuses to recognise that people’s identity;

            We state solemnly that there is no military solution to the "Kurdish question" and that the search for a political, non-violent and negotiated solution to the problems of the region is necessary; bear in mind that for us, the recognition of the Kurdish population’s right to exercise their fundamental rights is a condition for the accession of Turkey to the European Union.

            At the time of the decision on the date for the formal opening of EU-Turkey accession negotiations, the Commission and the Council stressed that any negotiations would be suspended in the event of a serious violation of democratic principles and of human rights by Ankara; the Union will have to take appropriate steps in this direction if the Turkish authorities and army continue in their unilateral contraventions of the rights of the Kurdish population.

            We condemn the government of Ankara and the local representatives of the Turkish army and of the state authority for the activities which led to the death of many innocent civilians in Diyarbakir; we call on all the parties in conflict to suspend their military activities immediately and without conditions, so calm can be restored and a political process of dialogue can begin.

            Finally, we ask the Presidency of the European Union and the Commission to take the appropriate political steps so that a formal, political and constructive dialogue, between the government of Ankara and the Kurds can finally take place.

            Best regards,