Foreword
Turkey's possible EU membership is a multidimensional question.
This report is concentrated on questions which are important
from the point of view of the Kurds.
The report analyses the 2004 Regular Report on Turkey's progress
towards accession and the Recommendation of the European Commission
on such issues which are important for the Kurds residing in
Turkey.
The information about these questions is based on an observation
visit of Kristiina Koivunen, Elina Järvenpää
and Ville Komsi to Turkey from 22nd October to 10th November
2004.
The main part of this premilinary report is written by Kristiina
Koivunen and will be replaced on the website http://www.rauhanpuolustajat.fi
by a more detailed account in due course.
The Peace for the Kurds Forum of Finland wish to thank all the
people who helped the group during the journey, as well in collecting
information as if it were an everyday life issue.
Financial support from the Ministry of Education to the Peace
for the Kurds Forum of Finland made the observation journey
possible.
Helsinki December 9, 2004
Peace for the Kurds Forum of Finland
The "Copenghagen Criteria"
Membership requires that the candidate country has achieved
stability of institutions guaranteering democracy, rule of law,
human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, the
existence of a functioning market economy as well as the capacity
to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the
Union. Membership presupposes the candidate´s ability
to take on the obligations of membership including adherence
to the aims of political, economic and monetary union.
The Union´s capacity to absorb new members, while maintaining
the momentum of European integration, is also an important consideration
in the general interest of both the Union and the candidate
countries.
From the Conclusions of the Copenhagen European Council,
June 1993 |
