26/04/2023 | 17:18:56 Thank you, Chair. Esteemed Members of the Parliamentary Assembly, I stand before you to discuss the catastrophic earthquakes that struck Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, nearly three months ago. These earthquakes were some of the deadliest to hit our nation in the last century, and one of the strongest ever recorded in the Levant. The aftermath of this event has left us mourning the loss of our fellow citizens and the destruction of our cities. In response to this crisis, Türkiye issued a Level 4... 25/04/2023 | 20:02:46 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Dear President, Dear colleagues, The Council of Europe has been playing a pivotal role in upholding democracy and human rights in the European continent since its inception in 1949. As the political conditions in Europe and across the globe has changed, the Council of Europe naturally evolved to address the emerging challenges and opportunities. The Fourth Council of Europe Summit provides a timely and much-needed occasion for all states to... 24/04/2023 | 17:51:08 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Dear President, Dear Colleagues, I would like to thank the Rapporteur Mr LIDDELL-GRAINGER for his report that presents us the activities of the Bureau and the Standing Committee, and our colleagues and secretariat of the Assembly for their hard work and efforts that allowed these activities to be carried out. Within the scope of this report, which briefs us on our work done so far after the first part-session of 2023, I would like to bring up... 25/01/2023 | 17:38:54 Thank you, Chair. Dear President, Dear Colleagues, I would like to thank the rapporteurs for their hard work and dedication to women’s issues. Ms Zita GURMAI has visited Türkiye on the context of her report on the Istanbul Convention. Our secretariat and relevant authorities worked with Ms GURMAI in close cooperation for a smooth visit, and she has met with many government officials as well as civil society organisations of her choosing. I myself participated in the working lunch with Ms... 24/01/2023 | 17:59:02 Thank you Madam Chair, Dear President, dear colleagues, The Council of Europe is an organisation which was established with the goal of fostering and achieving greater cooperation and solidarity among Europeans on the basis of values, standards and institutions that are shared throughout Europe. Established for this lofty goal, the Council of Europe became the leading intergovernmental organisation and the standard-setter in the fields and shared values of human rights, democracy and the rule... 23/01/2023 | 17:38:50 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Dear President, Dear Colleagues, I would like to thank the Rapporteur for briefing us on the activities of the Bureau and the Standing Committee, as well as our colleagues and secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly for their work through this period. I would like to make a few points regarding our recent agenda and work, in view of the report. Before all else, one of the biggest challenges we face, the Russian Federation’s continuing war... 12/10/2022 | 12:26:47 Dear Chair, Dear President, Dear Colleagues, I would like to start by thanking the co-rapporteurs for their work and efforts in the preparation of the report. Within the report, the co-rapporteurs specifically focus on certain issues, which stand out in the context of Türkiye’s monitoring procedure. I would like to address one of them: the 2023 parliamentary and presidential elections. First and foremost, I would like to underline that free and democratic elections are an indispensable part... 11/10/2022 | 20:34:07 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Dear President, Dear Colleagues, I thank the Rapporteur for bringing up such an important, yet largely overlooked matter, misuse of the Schengen System by EU member States, to the attention of the Assembly. As you all know, freedom of movement is essential to the enjoyment of other fundamental rights and important precondition for the free development of individuals. Establishment of the Schengen area back in 1980s paved the way for free... 11/10/2022 | 10:44:22 Thank you Chair. Dear President, Dear colleagues, I would like to thank the rapporteur for bringing up a very important regional issue. Integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union is of significant value in terms of social and economic development, and welfare and stability of the region and Europe alike. It surely serves the benefit of interests of both sides. Therefore, I think the enlargement and membership process should be truly endorsed. This will also push the regional... 22/06/2022 | 16:35:47 Thank you. Dear President, Dear Colleagues, I would like to thank the rapporteur for her valuable effort in preparing this excellent report. Considering the recent challenges that we have now faced, namely the ongoing war in Ukraine, the vital role of women became evident in building and safeguarding peaceful and democratic societies. The war in Ukraine has shown us, yet again, that women and girls are among the first casualties of war as the victim of conflict-related sexual violence. Hence...