The European Parliament adopted on 3 December 1998 a report on relations with Turkey prepared by the Austrian Member Hans Swoboda.

The European Parliament is well-known for having adopted prejudiced positions towards Turkey and for its failure to free itself from acting as the mouthpiece for elements hostile to Turkey.

It is observed that the European Parliaments has once again failed to make the commonsensical change in its position that would contribute to the development of Turkey-EU relations which should have the same value for both parties, and that it has instead persisted in pursuing a line which is far from being constructive and realistic.

In the report adopted yesterday, the European Parliament has gone beyond its previous extreme positions and slanders, and has become an instrument for unacceptable interference in Turkey's political and social systems and foreign policy.

In an attempt to totally disregard Turkey's efforts to end terrorism which has caused unforgettable suffering in the last fourteen years, the report calls for the convening of an "international conference" which is an idea conceived by the European Parliament itself.

This twisted approach is equivalent to approving terrorism in an inconsiderate and senseless way, despite the fact that thousands of our citizens have been slaughtered. On behalf first of the families of the victims of terror and of all our Nation, we condemn and reject this approach in the strongest possible way. In this respect, we would like to remind those who attempt to protect terrorism that they will carry heavy burden of responsibility.

Taking this opportunity, we believe that it is useful to underline that the erroneous judgments on the issue of Cyprus are totally invalid and that it should known that until a solution is being found through free negotiations between the two peoples and two states, the membership of Cyprus to the EU is not possible both from the perspective of international law and that of legitimacy.

Furthermore, it would be wrong and meaningless even to imagine that in exchange for membership Turkey will accept anything else than general criteria, and take steps which would damage its national heritage and interests. Most of the matters which are mentioned in the report are vital priorities of Turkey and can undoubtedly not constitute the price of membership.

For the sake of the future health of Turkey-EU relations, the EU member states and their public opinions must distance themselves from such an irresponsible approach.