The USLRRE Bureau call upon the Turkish authorities to respect the rights of local elected representatives while protecting local democracy.

Meeting of the Bureau of the Union of Socialist Local and Regional Representatives in Europe (USLRRE) / Brussels, 25 June 2013 – Resolution of the USLRRE

On the occasion of its Bureau meeting held on Tuesday, 25th of June 2013 in Brussels, the Union of Socialist Local and Regional Representatives in Europe solemnly reiterates its unflinching commitment to the respect of individual liberties and political rights of all elected representatives of the EU 27 Member-States.

A delegation of Kurdish socialist local elected representatives actually attended the Bureau meeting. In this instance, those elected representatives could report on the difficulties, discriminations and prison sentences that they are frequently exposed to as they carry out their official duties.

Such an exposure is extremely regrettable because it flouts the fundamental values defended by the European Union since its inception. Any country willing to access, one day, this democratic area will have to effectively comply with these values. The USLRRE Bureau call upon the Turkish authorities to respect the rights of local elected representatives while protecting local democracy.