EC/Turkey relations: implementation of measures to promote economic and social development

The Committee gave the initial go ahead to measures to promote economic and social development in Turkey involving funding of ·135 m over the 1999 to 2001 period (cooperation procedure - first reading). The rapporteur was Edward McMILLAN-SCOTT (EPP, UK). The proposal provides support in particular in the areas of industry, telecommunications, health protection, environment, energy, transport and democracy and human rights. The agreement has a clause allowing Council acting by qualified majority to "take appropriate measures" if there is evidence of human rights violations by Turkey. The Committee passed a series of amendments to the proposal, including a number that seek to involve Parliament more closely in the monitoring of the agreement, notably in the instance of non-observance of human rights by Ankara where an amendment strengthens the human rights clause by specifying that Parliament as well as the Commission may propose the suspension of the agreement to Council. Others amendments stress the importance of supporting political development and the rule of law in Turkey, defending human rights and respecting the country's minorities �