EU expresses grave concern on recent developments in Turkey

The European Union (EU) is following "extremely worrying developments" in Turkey, the 28-nation bloc's foreign policy chief said on Tuesday.

Recent developments in Turkey "weaken the rule of law, the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and compromise parliamentary democracy," Federica Mogherini said in a declaration.

She was referring to Turkey's renewed considerations to reinstate the death penalty, continued restrictions on freedom of expression and, most recently, the arrest of the co-chairs of the country's second largest opposition party, the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), as well as the detention of several of its Members of Parliament.

These developments are also exacerbating tensions in southeastern Turkey and further polarizing Turkish society in general, she noted.

Mogherini recalled the decision by the Turkish Parliament in May 2016 to permit the lifting of parliamentary immunity of a large number of lawmakers, saying this was a matter of serious concern and stressing that immunity must apply to all on a non-discriminatory basis.

Meanwhile, Mogherini condemned the terrorist attack in Diyarbakir last Friday and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, saying "The EU and its member states firmly believe that all violence and terrorist attacks must stop and arms must be laid down. The EU and its member states stand by Turkey in its fight against terrorism."

However, Mogherini urged the Turkish government to respect the basic principles of democracy, proportionality, and human rights when it take actions against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is listed by the EU as a terrorist organization.

A return to a credible political process and to genuine political dialogue is essential for the country's democracy and stability in the region, she noted.

"The EU and its member states will continue to follow and assess the situation very closely," said Mogherini.