Turkish Parliament Speaker Defines His Meetings In Strasbourg Fruitful

Anadolu Agency
May 20 2004

ISTANBUL – Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said on Thursday
that his participation in the European Conference of Presidents of
Parliaments in Strasbourg was very beneficial to stress importance
Turkey attached to the Council of Europe (COE) and to explain Turkey’s
efforts on the road to European Union (EU) membership.

Arinc, who returned from Strasbourg, told reporters that three
sittings on “how democratic is our democracy?”, “modern technology and
democratic procedures” and “Co-operation for more democracy – National
Parliaments and European Assemblies” were held in the conference.

He delivered a speech on “how democratic is our democracy”, Arinc
stated.

Arinc said that he held bilateral meetings with his Greek, Georgian,
Russian and Armenian counterparts in Strasbourg.

He also met with Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (COEPA)
President Peter Schieder, Arinc noted.

Arinc said that he also visited the European Court of Human Rights
(ECHR), Arinc stated.

Arinc pointed out that he received information from ECHR Vice President
about functioning of the court and the ECHR Vice President welcomed
Turkey’s progress in human rights.

Arinc, who went to Strasbourg on Monday, attended on the same day
the meeting of Athens Working Group which was formed by parliament
speakers of European Union (EU) member and candidate countries. The
theme of the parliamentary summit was “Europe of citizens: parliaments
and participation of citizens”.

Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc, who delivered a speech in
the conference on Tuesday, said that ruling parties should always
remember that they were representatives not only of majority that
they represented, but also representatives of whole nation.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress