A FORMULA

For example the legal adjustments for Kurdish broadcasts have already been made but still have yet to be applied, evidently because the Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) prevented it. First the regulation was delayed, then an insufficient regulation was prepared. The government didn’t like the regulations and so sent them back to the RTUK. Also regulations on Kurdish courses were published, but there are obstacles to implementing the regulations. By the way, some difficulties regarding non-Muslim Turkish citizens are still on the agenda. On the other hand, the matter of taking the General Staff’s seat from the RTUK is also in the government’s hands.

There are two other issues that need constitutional amendments and therefore are key in getting a date for accession talks. The first is abolishing the state security courts (DGMs) and replacing them with specialized courts. The second is ending the function of the General Staff’s representative on the Board of Higher Education (YOK). These two matters require constitutional amendments, but the government doesn’t have enough deputies to pass the amendments. In other words, the support of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) is needed. Does the CHP not want Turkey to become an EU member? Its program does. Is the CHP not against DGMs? It’s been against them for years. Does the CHP favor a General Staff representative on YOK? I don’t think so. Well then, what’s the problem? But there is a problem. The CHP is linking this support for the government to the immunity issue. The CHP is right regarding immunity, but does this justify its right to block the constitutional amendments?

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the CHP should agree on a moderate formula regarding immunity because the AKP also has some requests which are justified. If both sides want democratization and a date for the accession talks for EU membership at the end of the year, then this seems to be the only way.”