22 September 2001 , Copyright © Turkish Daily News
Fighting faceless crime
Pin Point By Ahmet Tan
As the citizen of a country targeted by terrorists
for the past 20 years, I would like to call out to the American people: We
feel every bit of your sorrow.
This meeting could not have occurred at a more meaningful moment in the aftermath of this great tragedy. It only sustains how very right we are to be addressing the scourge of organized crime and trafficking as a priority in international fora.
I hope that these and other meetings on this topic will lead to concerted action towards effectively combating such challenges to the civilized and democratic world.
Organized crime breeds corruption, bribery and money laundering, which all have adverse effects on the economic aspects of security. Corruption and bribery discourage foreign investments. Contracts awarded on the basis of bribery can result in enormous budgetary expenses.
A vicious circle is set in motion. Deficiencies in economic security, especially in countries in transformation, can lead to a lack of confidence in political leaders and a yearning for a return to autocratic policies which then undermines political security.
Corruption is furthermore an affront to the rule of law and hence, has negative implications on political security as well. Organized crime manifests itself equally in illegal arms, narcotics and human trafficking. Illegal arms trafficking spurns terrorism constituting a challenge to politico-military security, whereas narcotics and human trafficking not only can put a strain on interstate relations but also constitute human rights violations posing a serious challenge to human security.
These are but some brief examples of the multitude of intertwined and complex challenges and risks to security emanating from organized crime and illegal trafficking.
Organized crime is a universal phenomena, defying borders. No country, irrespective of its stage of development, is immune from it. Neither is it possible to combat these phenomena at a national level only. Therefore, strong international co-operation is important in the fight against organized crime and its various manifestations.
This co-operation will become even more important in the years ahead as the proponents of organized crime devise more ingenious methods to circumvent the law. I am happy to note that here today, we are taking an important preliminary step at Parliamentarians level in addressing these issues with a view to sharing our experiences, partaking of knowledge on what the different institutions in the Euro-Atlantic region are doing in this regard and hence helping devise more synergy and co-ordinated strategies to combat these phenomena.
The issue of trafficking and organized crime has been raised in the OSCE context since the early 1990s. However, only recently has the OSCE begun to address this issue in more operational terms.
The Istanbul Charter for European Security recognizes that "International terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime and drug trafficking represent growing challenges to security," while at the same time underlining our commitment to "strengthening our protection against these new risks and challenges" and our determination to "co-operate more actively and closely with each other to meet these challenges." Moreover, the charter recognizes the human dimension of trafficking in human beings, committing participating states to "undertake measures to eliminate all forms of trafficking in human beings."
***
In 1999, at the OSCE Ministerial Conference in Vienna, a decision was made to "Enhancing the OSCE's Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings." The ninth OSCE Economic Forum held in Prague this year was on "Transparency and Good Governance in Economic Matters."
The OSCE-PA has been even more diligent and focused. The "Resolution on the Trafficking of Women and Children" adopted in St. Petersburg in 1999, the Bucharest Declaration on "Good Governance: Regional Co-operation, Strengthening Democratic Institutions, Promoting Transparency, Enforcing the Rule of Law and Combating Corruption" adopted in July last year, the OSCE PA on "Organized Crime and Corruption" held in October and finally the "Resolution on Combating Corruption and International Crime in the OSCE Region" adopted in Paris this year aptly demonstrate the importance the PA of the OSCE devotes to this very serious and sensitive matter.
Through such meetings as the one today, we are just beginning to define this complex issue and gain a preliminary understanding of its wide ranging impact upon our societies. Yet we are far from defining effective policies to combat these phenomena.
The excellent background paper prepared on this theme, as well as the numerous resolutions I have cited, outline many useful suggestions that can be implemented both at the national as well as international level.
In closing my remarks I would like to emphasize my belief that there is an opportunity and a responsibility for every organization and institution to join in the fight against organized crime and trafficking. It is imperative for each and every institution to define that opportunity and to avoid inter-institutional competition, thus playing into the very hands of those we wish to defeat.
(This is an extract from a speech delivered by Ahmet Tan MP, Vice-President of the OSCE PA, in a Conference organized by Troika/Task Force in the European Parliament and OSCE and CoE PA on Sept. 17-18 in Brussels)
(HH) Piskinsut: Cabinet needs reshuffle including Ecevit
Greater coalition partner Democratic Left Party's (DSP) Aydin Deputy Sema Piskinsut said that in order to prevent Turkey from being harmed by the current crisis it would be beneficial to replace Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and other cabinet members.
"Although I respect his historical personality, his experience and his services to the country, Ecevit cannot deal with the current crises despite all his good will," Piskinsut said during a press conference in Parliament yesterday. "In order that the current crisis does not harm Turkey, it would be beneficial to evaluate the possibility of a reshuffle of cabinet members including the post of prime minister.
By saying that she does not agree with the opinion of, "during a crisis a cabinet reshuffle is not suitable," Piskinsutt added that if necessary measures could not be taken immediately, the effects of the crisis will be enormous on Turkey.
Ankara - Turkish Daily News
[HH] USTBASLIK: RTUK to ban Hakk TV
[HH] BASLIK:
[QQ]
Hakk TV, which was broadcasting anti-Turkish propaganda from Germany's Koln city, was banned by the Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK).
According to an announcement made by RTUK President Nuri Kayis, Hakk TV was established by Cemalettin Kaplan, part of the Society and Congregation Union with its base in Koln.
Kayis said that the RTUK had spoken with the German Northern Ren-Westfalia province and demanded they should ban broadcasting this channel according to the European Crossborder Television Agreement.
Kayis also said that they have received a report from the Northern Ren-Westfalia province Higher Board and it stated that, "Although Hakk TV doesn't have a broadcasting licence, it continues broadcasting and this should be stopped."
RTUK had also tried to ban the PKK-supported television Med TV and worked with English broadcasting authorities for this.
Ankara - Turkish Daily News
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