Debates of the European Parliament

SITTING OF MONDAY, 10 MARCH 2003

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Karamanou (PSE). – (EL) Mr President, there is something I should like to bring to your attention. A few days ago, I visited Turkey as part of a representation of six MEPs. May I start by saying that we were delighted that Turkey has made real progress towards the Copenhagen criteria over recent months.

I should like to point out, however, that the former Member of Parliament, Leyla Zana, has been in prison for some ten years now. When Mr Erdogan’s political freedom and rights were violated when he was mayor of Istanbul, we defended his human rights and political freedom here in this Chamber. We therefore expect the new government to be sensitive to the need to respect human rights; all other things being equal, it is intolerable that a Sakharov prizewinner should languish in a Turkish prison for ten years.

I should like to ask you to lobby the Turkish Government directly for the release of Leyla Zana, for her immediate and unconditional release.