The Committee of Ministers discussed Turkey's human rights situation
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey participated in the Committee of Ministers meeting held on 7th September 2016 to discuss Turkey's human rights situation after the attempted coup d'état in Turkey on 15th July. The meeting was opened by Chair of the Committee of Ministers, Marina Kaljurand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.
(Photo © Council of Europe)
After the attempted coup d'état Turkey declared a state of emergency on 15th July which is to last 90 days. Turkey has temporarily suspended European Convention of Human Rights during the state of emergency. At the Committee of Ministers meeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Çavuşoğlu Mevlüt, assured Turkey's commitment to the principles of human rights and rule of law. According to him, the measures of the Turkish government under the state of emergency in order to identify and judge the terrorists behind the coup attempt are not in contradiction with the principles of European Convention on Human rights.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey had positive views about continuing a constructive dialogue with the Council of Europe. Moreover, he assured that the government of Turkey has no intentions to reinstate death penalty.
Finland was represented by Pirkko Hämäläinen, Under-Secretary of State. The importance of an independent judiciary and freedom of expression as well as freedom of media were emphasized in the Finland's address at the meeting. Finland supported an open dialogue between Turkey and the Council of Europe.