Europaudvalget 2020-21, Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2020-21, Udenrigsudvalget 2020-21
EUU Alm.del Bilag 129, UPN Alm.del Bilag 71, URU Alm.del Bilag 57
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UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION
SPEAKER OF THE GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TURKEY
Ankara, 24 November 2020
Dear President,
I’ve learned with dismay that
a
resolution titled “Situation of
EU-Turkey Relations in
the aftermath of the killing of a teacher in France” was approved by the Danish Parliament on
12 November 2020. I would like to bring to your attention our following views regarding the
different components of this odd resolution.
Firstly, it is incomprehensible that Denmark falls into the error of positioning Turkey,
her NATO Ally, a partner in European institutions and a country that is cooperating in fighting
terrorism, as an opponent while expressing solidarity with France for the terrorist attacks in this
country. Turkey is also stricken by attacks of terrorist groups such as DAESH and Al-Qaeda
which claim acting in the name of religion. Turkey is the leading country in the fight against
these organizations as well as a member of the “Global
Coalition Against DAESH”
together
with Denmark. As a country struggling with different forms of terrorism for decades, Turkey
has also condemned the recent and past terrorist attacks in France and expressed solidarity with
French people.
On the other hand, I would like to emphasize that we reject all kinds of rhetoric such as
“militant Islamist terrorist attacks” mentioned in the resolution which
establishes link between
Islam or any other religion and terrorism. Likewise, it is not acceptable that freedom of
expression is used, such as in France and in some other European countries, as a reason to attack
Islam, its symbols or any other sacred values or believes.
Using freedom of expression irresponsibly will only cause polarization of societies,
radicalization, tendency to violence and serve for the purpose of far-right and radical fractions.
Turkey, a founding member of the Council of Europe, is in solidarity with France in
protecting the freedom of expression and in fighting all kinds of terrorism. However, Turkey
has reacted to offensive, provocative and irresponsible approaches of some government
officials and circles in France, with a view to responsible understanding of freedom of
expression and considering the Turkish community living in that country.
H.E. Henrik Dam Kristensen
President of the Danish Parliament
Copenhagen
 EUU, Alm.del - 2020-21 - Bilag 129: Brev fra formanden for Tyrkiets Nationalforsamling vedr. Folketingets vedtagelse af V 9 om EU og Tyrkiet
I am in the view of the fact that instead of fuelling differences among Turkey, France
and Denmark which actually tied with strong alliance and bilateral bonds, it will be beneficial
for all of us if the Danish Parliament would refrain from approving prejudged and immediate
reactions and display a constructive approach and listen to Turkey as well.
Furthermore, it should be noted that calls for boycott and even suspension of the EU-
Turkey Customs Union were in the first place voiced by French officials. Consequently, H.E.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said in response that should there be any boycotting of Turkish
goods, French goods could be boycotted as well. It is inconsistent to refer to a boycott that has
not been carried out by any of two countries as parties to the Customs Union.
Mr. President,
Turkey prefers the path of dialogue and reconciliation in her relations with the EU. It
does not make a positive contribution to Turkey-EU relations to allow or support some member
countries to take the Turkey-EU relations hostage for their narrow self-interests under the name
of EU solidarity or by means of abusing their veto rights. It also casts doubt on the coherence
and credibility of the EU. It is clear that our common interests and the interests of the EU are
greater than the egoistic interests of a few countries. An EU of which Turkey is a member could
have stopped several conflicts as well as civil wars around us and could have prevented tensions
between civilizations and terrorist attacks, if Turkey had not been impeded in its EU accession
process for the sake of narrow interests of a few countries. Therefore, it is beneficial for
everybody that EU and Turkey work very closely on all these matters.
I still believe in the fact that creating a positive agenda that can serve interests of both
sides, will not only contribute to Turkey
–
EU relations, but also to regional stability and peace.
The European Union has got the capacity and necessary tools to break the vicious circle it is
already in and create positive agenda. The best way to achieve this is not sanctions or to threat
with sanctions, but to work on updating the
18th March Agreement with its’ all dimensions and
strengthening the full membership perspective.
Turkey sincerely desires to develop its relations with the EU through membership
perspective. We expect Denmark continues to support these efforts by her principled stance.
Mr. President,
Those allegations that claim Turkey’s operations to fight DAESH and PKK/YPG/PYD
terror emanating from Syria, target Kurdish populated areas show that baseless anti
–
Turkey
propaganda of these terrorist organizations is unfortunately also owned by the Danish
Parliament. As previously stated on every occasion, Turkey’s operations in Syria have been
being undertaken in accordance with Article 51st of the UN Charter on Self Defence Right as
well as UN Security Council Resolutions concerning the fight against terrorism. These
operations have also been helping prevent demographic changes in the region and contribute to
protecting territorial integrity of Syria. As a result of three operations conducted, more than 411
thousand Syrian refugees including those with Kurdish origin have been able to return to their
 EUU, Alm.del - 2020-21 - Bilag 129: Brev fra formanden for Tyrkiets Nationalforsamling vedr. Folketingets vedtagelse af V 9 om EU og Tyrkiet
country. Moreover, thanks to the ceasefire reached on March 5th, three million Syrians that
could flee to Europe remained in Idlib by receiving humanitarian aid from the UN and other
organizations.
I invite Danish Parliamentarians to notice the fine difference precisely made by Turkey
between Kurdish origin citizens of Turkey, as well as Kurdish groups in the region, and terrorist
organization and support their NATO and European Ally, Turkey by showing full solidarity.
Mr. President,
I regret to observe that Resolution of November 12th and the way Turkey was subjected
to discussions at your Parliament were contradictory to relations of our friendship and alliance.
I do believe that taking steps towards mutual understanding and dialogue by increasing contacts
between our Parliaments will be constructive and serve the aim. In this framework, I kindly
request your good offices that respectful Danish Parliamentarians would be correctly and
sufficiently informed by our Embassy in Copenhagen as well as through bilateral contacts.
I will appreciate it if you could forward this letter and my request to all the
Parliamentarians in the Parliament.
Taking this occasion, I would like to convey my best wishes for the health and prosperity
of Your Excellency and all members of the Danish Parliament.
(Signature)
Prof. Mustafa ŞENTOP
Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey