[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 186 (Monday, November 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       EUROPEAN UNION SHOULD APPROVE A CUSTOMS UNION WITH TURKEY

                                 ______


                           HON. AMO HOUGHTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 20, 1995

  Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, my interest in the Republic of Turkey has 
increased since my visit there in August, so I would like to bring some 
attention to the debate in the European Parliament about the approval 
of a customs union with Turkey. This decision will have a major impact 
on western strategic and economic interests.
  The key question is whether or not the European Parliament will 
accept or reject this promising nation of over 60 million people, thus 
making the future of the EU's southern flank uncertain.
  As you know, the Republic of Turkey, established in 1923, is a 
western-style, secular democracy. It has distanced itself from the 
religious extremism of the Ottoman Empire, and emerged as a strong 
pillar of hope for secularism in the Moslem world. Over the past 72 
years, Turkey has developed into a mature democracy with steadfast 
institutions and an independent judiciary. The Turkish Government and 
population are committed to furthering and enhancing Turkey's 
democracy. This is demonstrated by recent reforms passed by the Turkish 
Parliament. These ongoing reforms coupled with increasing economic 
potential, enable the country to play a larger, more significant role 
in Europe's economic and political growth.
  Today, Turkey is a model for the New Independent States of the former 
Soviet Union--namely Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, 
and Kazakhstan. I think you'd agree that it is in our interest that 
these countries, which have rich, natural resources and educated 
population, choose to follow Turkey's example rather than those of its 
other neighbors.
  In addition, Turkey's code of laws has been aligned with those of 
other European countries, as the parliament has passed significant 
pieces of legislation including laws on copyrights, decentralization, 
and human rights. Some of our European colleagues suggest that such 
initiatives are insufficient, and that the customs union decision 
should be delayed until the Turkish Parliament satisfies their 
concerns.
  I would like to ask our European colleagues to keep in mind the 
difficulties of a democratic system--the mechanics of the democratic 
process which require extensive debate and parliamentary approval in 
order to bring about legislative changes. If Turkey were a dictatorial 
regime, the government would dictate changes which would be readily 
approved.
  Although reform in a democratic system is tough, there have been 
dramatic changes to Turkey's laws. On the human rights front are 
amendments to article 8 of the antiterrorism law. These changes promote 
the freedom of expression, and have permitted the release of prisoners 
detained under this article. In fact, a week after these changes, the 
courts released 82 people--an impressive response by any standard. Last 
July, Turkey's Parliament passed 16 amendments to the constitution, 
expanding and strengthening its democracy.
  Turkey is clearly situated in a volatile area, as they share borders 
with Iraq, Iran, Syria and former Soviet States. Those that support the 
advancement of democracy and human rights should ask themselves how 
these principles would better be served--by bringing Turkey into the 
European fold, anchoring it to the West, or leaving Turkey to languish 
outside of Europe.
  Mr. Speaker, I think that many of my colleagues would agree that a 
``yes'' vote on EU customs union for Turkey is the right move--right 
for Europe, right for Turkey, right for democracy and human rights. I 
hope you'll join me in urging the European Parliament to vote in favor 
of the customs union with Turkey on December 14.

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