The AP 2014 Turkey Progress Report has been debated in the European Parliament. MEPs called for peace talks with the PKK to continue and for the organisation to be removed from 'terror lists'. Calls were also made for Abdullah Öcalan to be released.

'Peace talks with the PKK should continue'

In the report prepared by Dutch Social Democrat Kati Piri, the rapporteur expressed unconditional support for efforts to find a lasting peace between the Turkish government and the PKK and for the socio-economic and political harmonisation of Kurdish society.

In a speech on behalf of the European Parliament (EP) Socialist Group, UK MEP Richard Howitt said the message from the EP should be that peace talks with the PKK should continue with good intentions. He added that it would be ironic to take any other approach as the importance of Kurdish society as regards security in the region was obvious.

The EU Latvian President Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica said the EU encouraged all parties involved in the peace process to continue their efforts.

'The PKK should be removed from the list and Öcalan should be released'

EP Kurdish Friendship Group Co-chair Bodil Ceballos said: "We must take ownership of the Krdish question. No one will benefit from the Kurds being put through hell within the boreders of Turkey. A solution is needed."

Josu Juaristi Abaunz from the Left Unity Group also stressed there should be a solution, saying that the Kurdish people should be free. He added that the PKK should be removed from the terror list and that Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan should be released.