The European Parliament's (EP) resolution on the EU Commission's 2016 Turkey Report was adopted at the EP Plenary on 6 July 2017.

It is obvious that this resolution, which seems to have been prepared in a partial and non-objective fashion to serve certain circles, will definitely not make a positive contribution to Turkey-EU relations.

It is also unfortunate that this decision coincided with a time when three EU Commissioners are visiting our country and both sides strive to improve their relations. The basis of Turkey-EU relations and the strategic priority of our country is full membership to the EU, and the most important instrument in this respect is the accession negotiations. The wording used in the resolution for the suspension of the negotiations and the IPA funds are far from being encouraging and constructive. It is a clear contradiction that while directing unfair criticism to Turkey in the field of human rights, the resolution fails to refer to the fact that the opening of chapter 23 “Judiciary and Fundamental Rights” and chapter 24 “Justice, Freedom and Security” were blocked solely for political reasons, when it would actually be the correct way to handle these issues by opening the said chapters. Similarly, while admitting, albeit weakly, that our country is going through a difficult period, denying to lend the support that Turkey deserves as a candidate and negotiating country as well as an important partner of the EU, is another clear indication of the contradictory approach and the lack of vision.

In this respect, this resolution, which is based on unfounded allegations and slanders, discredits the reputation of the said Institution. We consider this resolution null and void.