[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 123 (Thursday, July 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            TURKEY'S PARLIAMENT TAKES IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD

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                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 1995
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend 
Turkey's Parliament and Prime Minister Ciller for taking an important 
step towards strengthening democracy. On Sunday, July 23, Turkey's 
Parliament approved 16 constitutional amendments which are part of a 
democratization plan introduced last year. The Parliament also agreed 
to resume work in September on amending article 8 of the Anti-Terror 
Law, which is widely used to criminalize anti-government and pro-
Kurdish expressions. These reforms are considered prerequisites to 
Turkey's acceptance into a European Union customs agreement this fall. 
Mr. Speaker, I am very encouraged by the fact that the amendments were 
adopted by a vote of 360-32 after weeks of tumultuous debate.
  These amendments are significant for the cause of democracy in 
Turkey. Their passage marks the first time the civilian government in 
Turkey has altered the 1982 constitution promulgated by the military. 
Prime Minister Ciller and the junior coalition partner, Republican 
Peoples Party deserve much praise for standing by the legislation 
despite strong opposition from Islamic and nationalist parties.
  More specifically, Mr. Speaker, the amendments will broaden political 
participation by lowering the voting age from 20 to 18; adding 100 
seats to the 450 seat Parliament; enabling MPs to switch parties; and 
allowing trade unions, student associations and other groups to engage 
in political activities. Language in the constitution praising the 1980 
military takeover was also removed.
  As I have said in the past, Mr. Speaker, it is in our Nation's best 
interest to maintain close relations with a stable, democratic Turkey. 
These amendments, and other efforts in the future, will place our 
bilateral relations on a much more firm footing. While there is more 
that needs to be done to address free speech issues and the situation 
of Turkey's Kurdish population, adoption of these amendments by such a 
wide margin indicates a commitment and willingness in the Parliament to 
move forward along this path.
  Mr. Speaker, as someone who has spoken out in the past against 
actions taken by the Government of Turkey, I believe it is important to 
give the Turkish Government credit where credit is due. Reaction in the 
Turkish press to the amendments was resoundingly positive and public 
opinion is also likely to view the reforms in a positive light. Given 
this set of circumstances, I strongly encourage the Turkish MPs to 
immediately seize upon the momentum of this impressive showing and 
press on for further reforms.
  Last week, Mr. Speaker, it looked as though partisan politics in 
Turkey would block the passage of any democratic reforms. Successful 
adoption of the amendments, though, has breathed new life into the 
reform debate underway in Turkey. Mr. Speaker, I believe that all who 
are concerned about human rights and regional stability should express 
support for the continued efforts of Turkey's Parliament and Government 
to continue this important process.


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