Vote on EU-Turkmenistan Agreement: EU Parliament puts energy interests before human rights

The European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee today endorsed the signing of the Interim Agreement between the EC and Turkmenistan on Trade and Trade-Related matters , ignoring calls by Greens /EFA member Cem Özdemir to reject the Interim Agreement on the grounds of Turkmenistan's appalling human rights record. Speaking after the vote, Cem Özdemir said:

"Turkmenistan is undoubtedly the worst of the post-Soviet countries with regards to democracy and human rights . It is completely inconsistent of the European Parliament to support the proposal for developing relations with Turkmenistan while at the same time calling for increased pressure and new sanctions on Belarus. This will only serve to further undermine the EU's international credibility.

"The existence of large gas reserves play a major role in shaping the EU's policy towards Turkmenistan. This helps explain the difference in approach to Belarus and Turkmenistan. Apparently, the EU is willing to compromise human rights in pursuit of its economic interests. When energy resources are at stake, the EU is clear on what takes priority.

"The Council needs to define a coherent policy with regard to human rights in third countries. Signing trade agreements with countries, which blatantly disregard human rights, undermines the values upon which the EU is founded."

Note to editors:Cem Özdemir's amendments were supported by Human Rights Watch, the International Crisis Group and the Open Society Institute in a letter sent to all the members of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Source: www.greens-efa.org/cms/pressreleases/dok/116/116001.vote_on_euturkmenistan_agreement@en.htm