14/10/2026 President
Petra Bayr, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), ending a two-day official visit to Türkiye, has said talks with Turkish counterparts were intensive and focused on practical steps: how to further consolidate the institutions that uphold democracy, human rights and the rule of law – and how PACE can meaningfully contribute. Both sides underlined a shared interest in effective co-operation across a range of areas.
“Strong institutions are the backbone of every democracy. Türkiye and PACE share an interest in making them stronger – and we share the responsibility to deliver,” the President said.
In Ankara she met the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the President of the Constitutional Court, the Deputy Minister of Justice, leaders of political parties and representatives of LGBTI and women’s organisations.
A particular focus of the discussions was the process of building a durable and just peace in Türkiye under the reconciliation initiative, following the adoption of the report of the Commission on National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy. President Bayr welcomed the progress achieved so far, notably the adoption of the law in August 2026. PACE stands ready to support the implementation of the report, she said, in particular its chapter on the rule of law and the implementation of court decisions, including those of the European Court of Human Rights, which has not yet been transmitted to the Parliament for adoption.
“Peace is not simply signed. It is built – law by law, judgment by judgment. PACE is ready to help build it,” the President stated, “as a sustainable and lasting peace can only grow on the foundation of democracy, rule of law and human rights.”
The discussions also covered Türkiye’s role in promoting regional stability in the Middle East and its contribution to peace negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
President Bayr raised the implementation of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, including the most recent judgment in the case of Osman Kavala, the circumstances of the arrests of opposition politicians, journalists and LGBTIQ activists, the shrinking space for independent media, and the difficulties faced by civil society organisations. The rise of anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe was also on the agenda.
“Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights are not recommendations – they are obligations,” President Bayr underlined. “A democracy is measured by how it treats those who criticise it. And human rights do not stop at any border – not in Türkiye, and not anywhere else in Europe.”
President Bayr regretted today’s decision by the 13th District Criminal Court not to reopen the case of Osman Kavala and reminded that the judgement of the ECtHR requires Türkiye to release Mr Kavala ‘at the earliest possible date.
Progress on the outstanding issues is both possible and necessary, she underlined. “Only then can Türkiye fully unlock its enormous potential as a regional champion of the values, principles and standards of the Council of Europe. This requires constructive and honest dialogue on both sides – and concrete, timely steps by the Turkish authorities and the judiciary. Dialogue is not a favour, it is a duty.”
As one of the outcomes of the visit, it was agreed that President Bayr will meet some high-profile prisoners, including Osman Kavala, during her next trip to Türkiye in November.
During her visit, she laid a wreath at Anıtkabir, paying tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye.
