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08
December
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On Peace, Refugees and Visa with European Parliament Turkey Reporter |
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Aziz Kocaoğlu hosted Holland Coalition Partner and European Parliament Turkey Reporter.
Holland Coalition Governmen partner Social Democratic Labour Party’s (PvdA) Leader Diederik Samsom and European Parliament Turkey Reporter and Holland Representative Council Member Kati Piri visited Aziz Kocaoğlu to negotiate on immigration issues and limitations which Turkey faces. In the committe, Ankara Holland Embassy Head Clerk Erik van Oudheusden and Holland Izmir Consular Agent Oğuz Özkardeş took part. After the agreement made with European Union, Samsom asked Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Aziz Kocaoğlu’s opinion for forthcoming period, “We have to find a solution to this problem together.”
Mayor Aziz Kocaoğlu stated that an agreement should be reached with EU at some point, work should be carried out mutually and it is beneficial to found commissions; “The main subjects here are sheltering, nourishment and providing working environment. In sheltering and nourishment issues have been finding solutions with central government. The main problem is employment. The most important problem in Turkey, excluding terrorism is unemployment. Besides unemployment problem in educated youngs, it is very distressed that refugees have labour supply. This is the main problem we are considering. We need to discuss localization and unemployment problems together.” He said.
He said that as long as there is conflict, tension, war in Syria, the immigration cannot be stopped and added:
“As long as the war environment continues, the chance and wish of the refugees to return back to their hometown diminish and decreases to minimum. This is above 2 million people. How much of this population we can educate, shelter and provide food; this is above our own strength. When we stand up to do something, we are facing a problem which is above our limits. We all agree while talking, explaining things. When we start acting, problems grow just like topsies. The responsible authority which will set a course and the authority in Izmir is governorship. As Metropolitan Municipality and a social democrat municipality, we are ready to give all kinds of support within the bounds of possibilities. “
Samson stated that they support the idea which 3 billions euro source should be transferred to foundations and institutions within the knowledge of central government to be used for projects which will be held for benefits of refugees.
Central government states in legal statements that 8 billion dollars are spent till today. As Metropolitan Municipality we can only present one projects and take support from EU. However EU gives money for refugees and they can give to Metropolitan Municipality, this is not possible in our legislations. We do not interfere with money side. We will give support to the decisions which central government will give.”
Upon the question that what will happen in peace period, Mayor Aziz Kocaoğlu said; “As the country which effected mostly, I believe that Turkey’s role is very important in building peace. The path and methods which peace will be built is hidden in the past. We need to make peace by knowing the things that are done.”
European Parliament Turkey Reporter and Holland Representative Council Member Kati Piri asked “Central government laid down conditions to monetary aid, lifting visa requirements and discussing EU membership again in detail. What would you request if you did this agreement as CHP? What would be the matter of negotiation?
Mayor Aziz Kocaoğlu answered:
“EU cannot protect itself from the problems in Middle East by keeping Turkey out. Turkey and all our citizens are waited so much in Europe doors, conseuquently EU is not leaned towards as it was in the past. In this geographical area, we are the only country between Muslims that has traditions and is governed by democracy, republic and laicism. EU will give speed to the relations, Turkey’s democracy, human rights integration and getting closer to west, or otherwise Turkey will take the problems in Middle East and leave in the Europe’s borders. EU faces this right now. We, as social democrats, want EU membership period to accelerate, take big steps. We want this to improve our law system, human rights and democracy. Especially all social democrats in Europe should support and work for this idea. Though we do have problems in our country, we have man power and good economy which can be considered as advanced. Turkey is at a point that it will be integrated to EU in a short time or will be scattered in view of human rights and democracy soon. There will not be a relationship between EU-Turkey then.
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