EU ready to assist Turkey in peace process: EU envoy

VAN - Anatolia News Agency

Jean-Maurice Ripert (L), the EU’s top envoy to Turkey, visits the mayor of the eastern province of Van, Bekir Kaya. AA photo

The European Union is ready to assist Ankara in the “courageous peace process” that the latter launched at the beginning of the year, Jean-Maurice Ripert, the EU’s top envoy to Turkey, said May 27.

“The European Union is ready to assist Ankara in the courageous peace process that Turkey has kicked off … and emphasize the missing investments in southeastern Anatolia,” Ripert said at a Turkey-EU Conference in the southeastern province of Van, noting that the process includes the continuing withdrawal of militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

“This process is the best opportunity to solve an issue which has cost the lives of dozens. When you look at political reforms, this is a big transformation for Turkey. There is [still] steps to be taken in the human rights domain. As the EU, we prioritize a monitoring mechanism regarding fundamental rights,” he said.

Irish Ambassador to Turkey Kenneth Thompson, meanwhile, said they had decided to revive relations between Turkey and the EU, adding that they were aiming to launch a new era in ties with Turkey by opening the 22nd chapter of the accession process on June 26.

“We think that this chapter will contribute to development. We support Turkey’s peace process. We have experienced starting and finalizing a peace process. A definitive result is never possible but if arms [are silent], political forces will succeed in bringing their work to a more satisfying [conclusion]. We are ready to share our experiences on this topic,” he said.