EU Commission is Monitoring Closely the Situation in Turkey

Referring to Thursday’s the announcement of High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini, the EU Commission chief spokesperson Margaritis Schinas did not want to go any further on Turkey after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared a three-month State of Emergency.

«We are following the developments regarding the State of Emergency Turkey has declared after the attempted coup, which the European Union condemned, very closely and with concern,» writes the announcement of High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini on Turkey’s "recent unacceptable decisions on the education system, judiciary and the media.”

"We are monitoring the situation closely,” said Schinas on Friday. The EU Commission is constantly assessing whether Turkey still safe for refugees as a third country. This was guaranteed to Greece on 5 May 2016, but the Commission is in constant contact with Greece, Turkey and the UNHCR.

Turkey has declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday after the Council’s Foreign Affairs conclusions this week’s that call on Turkish authorities to respect under any circumstances the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right of all individuals concerned to a fair trial. 

"The declaration of State of Emergency gives the executive far-reaching powers to govern by decree. Under the terms of the Turkish Constitution, core fundamental rights shall be inviolable even in the State of Emergency,” adds Mogherini.

"President Erdogan stated that the measure will in no way affect democracy, the rule of law or fundamental freedoms. We indeed expect that they will be fully respected and that the authorities will act with restraint,” she adds.

"Any temporary suspension of the European Convention of Human Rights needs to follow the rules foreseen for such a derogation,” underlined Mogherini. "The EU will continue to monitor the situation very closely, including the practical implications of the State of Emergency. We expect the parliament and all forces represented in the democratic institutions of the country to play their constitutional role at full.”

Until today, tens of thousands of people have been suspended, detained or placed under investigation since an attempted coup just a week ago. Erdogan suggested that "an initial state of emergency for three months, then prolonged it for another three months.” On France’s example, Erdogan already plans an extension. " Initially, it is three months, but after that, we can ask for a second three-month period and then extend it,” giving to authorities extended powers of law-making, search and control, while the European Convention on Human Rights is also suspended.

At least 290 people were killed and almost 1,500 injured amid violent clashes on 15 July as certain military factions attempted to stage a coup d’etat. The UN and various governments and organizations have urged Turkey to uphold the rule of law and to defend human rights.

https://www.neweurope.eu/article/eu-commission-is-monitoring-closely-the-situation-in-turkey/
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