Burkhalter expressed that Switzerland is ready to play a role in the solution to the Kurdish issue and a return to the peace process and said: “I informed the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in the meeting we had on November 3 in Bern that as the Federal Council, we are ready to mediate for peacemaking with the Kurds if both parties want it. But such a demand has not been relayed to us by Turkey up to date.”

Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter answered questions by 12 federal deputies from the Social Democrat Party (SP) regarding the anti-democratic practices in Turkey and what Switzerland was doing about them.

Foreign Minister Burkhalter answered the questions of the 12 deputies separately and drew attention to the anti-democratic practices in Turkey with his answers.

“WE ARE READY TO PLAY A ROLE FOR ACHIEVING PEACE IF BOTH PARTIES WANT IT”

When asked about the policies put forth in Kurdistan by the Turkish state, Burkhalter said: “I informed the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in the meeting we held on November 3 in Bern that as the Federal Council, we are ready to mediate the peace with Kurds if both parties want it. But such a demand has not been relayed to us by Turkey up to date.” Burkhalter added: “I repeat once more, we can play a role in case of a bilateral demand. Swiss political parties can also play a role in this matter. I hope a peaceful solution will be found for the clashes that started again after June 2015.”

“WE ARE CLOSELY MONITORING THE ARREST OF DEPUTIES AND MAYORS”

On the question on the arrest of HDP Co-chairs, deputies and mayors and the trustee appointmens to municipalities, Burkhalter said: “As the Switzerland Federal Council, we are monitoring the policies regarding the HDP Co-chairs, deputies and mayors closely. The Council has voiced this issue in the Council of Europe Ministers Committee and the OSCE.”

Burkhalter said the Federal Council had detailed information on the number of trustees appointed to municipalities and the arrest of MPs and co-mayors, and continued their inquiries.

“WE CALLED ON TURKEY TO RESPECT UNIVERSAL RIGHTS”

Burkhalter also answered questions on the extent of freedom of expression and press freedom violations and what Switzerland’s stance on these was, and said: “We as Switzerland clearly stated our stance on this issue to Turkey. We expressed that they needed to comply with the rule of law and their international obligations. We as Switzerland insist on a pluralist and free society, free press and a structure that will further democracy in Turkey. It should be known very well that achieving stability in the country and reducing democratic areas are in no way related.”

“WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SITUATION IN TURKEY”

“For all these reasons, the Switzerland Federal Council is greatly concerned for the pressures on press, NGOs and many other groups in Turkey. We are concerned for the shutting down of associations including associations advocating for children’s and women’s rights. I relayed our expectations from Turkey to the Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu in our meetings in New York on September 20 and in Bern on November 3. I expressed that political opposition and terror should not be lumped together and Turkey needs to protect the rule of law.”

“PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS IS FIRST PRIORITY FOR OUR FOREIGN POLICY”

“Advancement of women’s rights, protection of civilian society areas and protection and development of human rights is Switzerland’s first priority in foreign policy. To this end, the Federal Council will continue to monitor events in Turkey closely and determine a position accordingly.”

INQUIRY ON TIES WITH ISIS CONTINUES

Foreign Minister Burkhalter answered the question on the collaboration between Turkey and ISIS as: “Switzerland continues to investigae the allegations that Turkey has been documented supplying weapons to ISIS and jihadi organizations. Switzerland intelligence service has the authority to meet with foreign intelligence services for external contacts. The service is regularly informing the Federal Council.”

“WE REMINDED TURKEY”

Burkhalter confirmed that the Turkish state is trying to implement their own policies among the immigrants from Turkey in Switzerland and information from Kurdish, Kemalist and Gülenist groups have been leaked to Turkish institutions and said: “The Federal Council is aware that a polarization has been developing among Switzerland residents with origins from Turkey and that the events in Turkey has been affecting Switzerland. The canton authorities are fulfilling their duties on this issue. The Switzerland Intelligence Organization is investigatin how this policy is carried out. In this regard, the Federal Foreign Ministry has reminded Turkish authorities that the right to free speech and the legal system is an irrevocable principle for Switzerland and foreign countries are forbidden from transferring their internal conflicts over to Switzerland soil.”