MESOP FLASH I : NGO’S URGE OBAMA TO PUT PRESSURE ON TURKEY

MESOP 14.1.2013 – In a letter released to President Obama, Foreign Policy Initiative, Project on Middle East Democracy, Freedom House, and Reporters Without Borders expressed their concern over apparent stalled progress and regression in “crucial areas.”

The letter draws attention to the deteriorating situation for journalists and members of the press in Turkey, as well as concerns over Kurdish rights, freedom of expression, and the position of women in the government and labor force. The organizations urge President Obama “to express publicly and privately America’s concerns about Turkey’s backsliding, and to direct diplomatic efforts toward ensuring that Turkey resumes a course designed to consolidate democracy and the rule of law.” In Turkey, Kurdish leaders reasserted demands for greater autonomy, but confirmed the sincerity of the Kurdistan Workers Party peace efforts.

Read Full Text & Letter http://www.foreignpolicyi.org/content/turkey-open-letter-2013