WIEN. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç Soyer, who was not nominated by the CHP, met with CHP Chairman Özgür Özel. Soyer said about the meeting on his social media account:“I thanked him for his offers to work together in different fields in the future, but I stated that I did not have such a request at the moment.” said. President of the Socialist Group of the Council of Europe, Prof. Dr. Vladimir Prebilič’s meeting with CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and CHP General Secretary on 12 February 2024 To Selin Sayek Böke It was noteworthy that the statements in the original and translations of the letter he sent were full of reproaches towards the CHP in a diplomatic way, while praising Izmir Mayor Tunç Soyer for his work.
Here is the letter Vladimir Prebilič sent to Özgür Özel:
To whom It May Concern:
“As the President of the Socialist Group of the Council of Europe Congress, the second largest political group in the Congress, and the local democracy rapporteur tasked with monitoring the implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Turkey, I offer my unwavering and constant support to all those working to ensure the most successful democratization possible in Turkey. I am writing to express my support. I believe that people who tirelessly strive to implement democratic standards and European norms in terms of the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms (freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of information, etc.) and the implementation of all necessary measures for the unconditional implementation of the rule of law should be supported as they move their country forward..
As Turkey rapporteur for many years, I have been observing the latest developments in the country, some of which I believe are in the right direction. As in many countries, it may sometimes take a long time for us to reach a high level of democracy in line with certain very demanding European standards.
In this respect, the existence of a real opposition in Turkey that makes a great effort in this direction is more than hopeful. This is exactly why I insisted on Mr. Tunç Soyer’s appointment to the second most important political post at the Council of Europe Congress, in addition to his many political qualifications.
I believe that it is important for Turkey, one of the largest member states of the Council of Europe, to have a visible place in proportion to its presence in the Congress, to be able to make its voice heard and to be able to influence and contribute to the functioning of the Congress.
In my opinion, Tunç Soyer’s approval and subsequent election as the President of the Council of Europe Congress Regional Assembly was a clear political signal for your country, Turkey. This election in an international political body gives Mr Soyer the opportunity to take action, express himself and work at the local level to adapt European standards to the conditions in his country and ensure their appropriate implementation.
I think it should be emphasized that Tunç Soyer is a solid member of the Congress’s internal political leadership. He is also Vice-President of the Congress of the Council of Europe, an international political body comprising delegations of local and regional elected representatives from 46 Member States. His work is indispensable in helping us better understand the complex nature of the functioning of local democracy in Turkey.
A possible decision to exclude Turkey from the upcoming local elections, which I will personally observe as deputy chairman of the Congressional election observation mission, would mean not only the loss of a distinguished figure in the political leadership of the Congress, but also, more generally, the loss of power that he proudly and devotedly represents in this international political assembly. It will also be an invaluable loss for Turkey.
While we are, of course, aware of the decision-making process involved in the selection of candidates, we nevertheless wish to draw your attention to Tunç Soyer’s special position, his high position in the political executive branch of the Congress, and his dedicated commitment to guiding his country towards the values to which he is firmly committed and on which we work together. I know my duty.
I wish success to the party of which Mr. Soyer is a member, and even more importantly to Turkey, in these elections, which I will observe with pleasure next month. I look forward to learning more about your country with my colleagues from Congress and understanding how electoral procedures for local elections work in Turkey.
I am at your service for any further information you may need…”
Kind regards,
Vladimir A surplus
Digital signed Vladimir A surplusDatum: 2024.02.12
22:14:22+01’00 ‚
Prof. Dr. Vladimir A surplus
SocialistlerChairman of the Progressive Democrats and Greens Group
english letter
Mr. Soyer (1)
Turkish letter
Vladimir Prebilič to Mektub
2024-02-13 19:03:34