With criticism over its lack of respect of human rights and corruption allegations, the European Parliament 2013 progress report on Turkey was debated on Tuesday in Strasbourg.

The debate also included references to Ankara’s role in solving the Cyprus issue.

During the debate, Euro MPs referred to the death of 14-year-old Berkin Elvan, who passed away in a Constantinople hospital. Last summer he was on his way to a shop to buy bread when he was caught up in a street protest and struck in the head with a high-velocity tear-gas canister.

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister Demetris Kourkoulas, speaking on behalf of the Greek Presidency said the EU should be a catalyst in reforms in Turkey.

He referred to the excessive use of force during demonstrations by Turkish Police, prosecution of journalists, academics and human rights activists and also restrictions on internet, issues that raise serious concern.

Kourkoulas welcomed the resumption of talks on Cyprus, saying that he expects Turkey to actively support the process.

Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule referred to the positive developments but also to concerns noted in Turkey’s report.

He said that Ankara played a significant role in the resumption of talks in Cyprus and encouraged the Council to draw up a road map as regards the opening of chapter 23. He also said the only way to solve the Cyprus issue is on the basis of European principles.

The report’s rapporteur, Ria Oomen -Ruijten said the good relations between the EU and Turkey are important as the country is a strategic partner. Although many reforms have taken place since 2005, she expressed concern over the corruption scandals plaguing the country as well as the Gezi demonstrations.

Cypriot Euro MP Eleni Theocharous (EPP) said the progress report was out of place, adding that there is an uprising in Turkey, referring to the death of the 15 year old, while Turkish ships are patrolling the Cyprus coasts.

She also said that the people of Cyprus are expecting the European Parliament to put forward the foundations and principles of the EU on Cyprus in the same way the European Peoples’ Party has during its recent meeting in Dublin.

Euro MP for European United Left/Nordic Green Left, Takis Hadzigeorgiou said the role of the EP should be positive but for this to take place, there should be a subjective approach on issues. He described as unacceptable the opening of accession chapters 15, 23 and 24 for Turkey when it still has not normalized relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

Democratic Party and Socialists Euro MP, Antigoni PApadopoulou said the report is attempting to reward Turkey with the opening of more chapters, such as the energy chapter, disregarding Turkish threats in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

Socialist EDEK Euro MP Sofoklis Sofokleous said the report is not balanced and does not suggest proposals for the country’s democratization.

The European Parliament 2013 progress report on Turkey reiterates EP’s “strong support” for the reunification of Cyprus and welcomes the joint declaration by the leaders of the two communities – reached last February – on relaunching talks on the reunification of Cyprus.

The EP supports a solution on the basis of a bi communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, with a single international legal personality, sovereignty and citizenship.
According to the reports final draft, the EP asks Turkey to actively support negotiations in Cyprus, to begin withdrawing its forces from Cyprus and transfer the fenced-off area of Famagusta to the UN.

It calls in parallel on the Republic of Cyprus to open the port of Famagusta, under EU customs supervision.

Moreover, the European Parliament recalls the “full legitimacy” of the Republic of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone and calls on Turkey to respect the sovereign rights of all Member States, including those relating to the exploration and exploitation of natural resources in territories or waters under their sovereignty.

Additionally, it calls on the Turkish government to sign the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

In its report, the EP welcomes Turkey’s decision to grant access to the Committee on Missing Persons to a fenced military area in the occupied part of Cyprus, asking moreover for access in relevant archives and military zones for exhumation.

The EP says it deplores Turkey’s refusal to implement the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement towards all member states – with Cyprus being the sole exclusion.

On Turkey’s domestic affairs, the report expresses deep concern at recent developments, with regard to allegations of high-level corruption, while urging the Turkish government to show “full commitment” to democratic principles and to refrain from interference in the investigation and prosecution of corruption.

The report also makes reference to the events in Gezi Park, in Istanbul last summer, saying that it deeply regrets the loss of life among protesters and police, the excessive use of force by police and the violent acts by some marginal groups.

The EP reaffirms the importance of opening Chapters 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights) and 24 (justice and home affairs).