QA-42, 18 November 2016

The declaration published in the French Newspaper Libération dated 16 November 2016 regarding the measures taken in Turkey during the state of emergency does not serve any purpose other than encouraging terrorist organizations.

We would have expected from the deputies, senators and academicians who signed this declaration to state that they are in solidarity with the Turkish nation having faced terrorist attacks for many years and confronting the bloodiest terrorist act of its history on 15 July, and with Turkey providing important contributions to the international efforts in the fight against terrorism.

Everybody knows that Turkey pays regard to fundamental rights and freedoms, the principles of state of law and international obligations while taking all the measures following the bloody coup attempt happened in Turkey. Being one of the responsible and founding members of the Council of Europe, Turkey, in this process, will continue as always to maintain a transparent cooperation based on constructive dialogue with this organization.