President Gül Condemns Egypt's Execution Verdicts
28.04.2014
President Gül, during the Q&A session following the joint news conference held with President Gauck of Germany, responded to questions from the press. Regarding the verdicts by a court in Egypt about the execution of 683 people, President Gül said: "death penalty verdicts about hundreds of people by political courts are by no means acceptable in today's world. After all, what Egypt needs is stability, peace and fast economic recovery."
President Abdullah Gül responded to questions from the press at the end of the joint press conference with President Joachim Gauck of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Question: A court in Egypt had already given capital punishment for more than 500 people opposing the coup. Today another 683 people have been sentenced to death. Can we hear your comment on that, sir?
President Gül: "Death penalty verdicts by political courts about hundreds of people are by no means acceptable in today's world. I regard these decisions a menace clouding the future of Egypt. After all, what Egypt needs is stability, peace and fast economic recovery. Therefore, I hope these verdicts are never executed, all political prisoners are released and the path towards democracy and free elections are reopened in Egypt."
Q: Mr. President, how do you read your German counterpart, President Gauck's remarks about rule of law and fundamental freedoms in Turkey? Do you consider them friendly remarks or an insult?
President Gül: "Let's all be honest. Turkey is a country that has initiated comprehensive political, democratic and legal reforms in the last decade. Many problems are thus resolved. Many taboos are ridden of. A great leap forward is in place as a result of the political and democratic decisions taken. This is how reforms on many issues which were once beyond anyone's imagination are instigated. It goes without saying that no country is perfect. We all witnessed the tragic attacks inflicted upon innocent families in Germany by extreme rightists. Such killings were strongly condemned by all. They are indeed shameful acts. In a similar fashion, one cannot deny that an overtly antagonistic tide of racism, xenophobia and Islamaphobia are on the rise across Europe. This is clearly not in line with universal values such as democracy, the rule of law and pluralism which are embodied in the European Union.
What is important is that we should all be aware of our shortcomings and must be resolute in overcoming them. When you compare today's Turkey a decade ago, you will see how far it has advanced in terms of democracy and rule of law. You will also see how far it has progressed on human rights and freedoms."
Q: Mr. President, how about the debate on Twitter about which Prime Minister Erdoğan noted that international criticisms did not concern him. Do you believe that the Turkish government is aware of any shortcomings, or on the contrary, does it not care about such criticisms?
President Gül: "Let me reiterate, Turkey has changed for the better in the last decade. Anyone can voice criticisms about any issue or anybody including me as long as they respect others' freedoms and do not resort to violence. Everyone including the civil society can share their views individually or collectively. With regards to Twitter, it is one of the social media networks widely used in Turkey. Prime Minister Erdoğan therefore expressed repeatedly that Twitter must open a branch in Turkey and pay taxes. I believe there is nothing wrong with his call.
Q: Mr. President, could you please evaluate Prime Minister Erdoğan's condolence message about the Armenian people?
President Gül: "You should remember that at the Turkish Grand National Assembly and other occasions, I had always underscored the shared grievances suffered during the First World War. I therefore regard Mr. Prime Minister's message very timely, appropriate and good.
