11 Amendments of Ana GOMES related to 2015/2081(INI)
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recommends that the EU’'s approach to Turkmenistan strike a balance between the promotion of democracy andfocuses on the pursuit of EU’'s strategic interests; underlines that the , particularly the democratificsation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) will contribute to the achievement of EU objectives in these areacountry, inclusive and sustainable development and human rights;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Underlines that the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) shall only take place when Turkmenistan achieves genuine and measurable progress in the protection of human rights, namely by attaining the benchmarks set out by the European Parliament in its previous resolutions, such as the unconditional release of political prisoners, the elimination of barriers to free travel to Turkmen citizens, unrestricted access to the country for international organisations and independent monitors and removal of restrictions and harassment of non- governmental organisations, namely the ones working on civil and political rights;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is of the opinion that the establishment of a Cooperation Council and a Cooperation Committee, under Articles77 and 79 of the PCA, respectively, willcan revitalise EU-Turkmen relations in a constructive manner, both at the executive level and in civil society;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the establishment offact that the PCA includes a Parliamentary Cooperation Committee between the European Parliament and the Turkmen Parliament (the Mejlis) under Article 82 of the PCA, leading to more regular and structured parliamentary dialogue and scrutiny of the implementation of the agreement when ratified;
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises the timid legal, political, social and economic reforms introduced by the current government since 2012 as an encouraging sign of a renewed climate of openness, most notably with regard to prison reform, laws on internet, public assembly and public assobut awaits meaningful and visible impact of those reforms in the rights and freedoms of Turkmen ciationzens; notes that the state of democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remain extremely weak in Turkmenistan;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes note of the constitutional reform announced for this year, possibly including a strengthening of the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches, reinforcing the role of Mejlis, and the creation of an office with the function of Ombudsman; encourages the process of constitutional reform as a positive development, but notes that it should be preceded by an open and inclusive public debate;
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the EU has held seven rounds of Human Rights Dialogue with Turkmenistan since 2008, and that while the last round in September 2014 was held in a constructive and open atmosphere, it has, disappointingly, so far had very scant resulnot translated into meaningful and tangible improvements in protection of human rights, and remains thus far the only forum to exchange views between the parties on human rights;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the invitation to Turkmenistan of a UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion in 2008, the first UN special rapporteur to visit the country; calls, at the same time, on the Turkmen authorities to allow entry to the remaining nintwelve rapporteurs, all of whom have asked to visit the country;
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recommends Turkmenistan to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance and ensure their proper implementation;
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Takes note of some limited improvements regarding freedom of the media, including a new law adopted in 2013; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media and to allow foreign media outlets access to the country and to information, which aims to safeguard freedom of the media, prohibit censorship and unlawful interference in the activities of media outlets; notes, however, that the reality is in stark contrast with the law, since the media environment is still very restricted and under complete control of the authorities, and journalists are routinely harassed; calls on the Turkmen authorities to fully guarantee freedom of speech, to lift any state controls on print and electronic media and to allow foreign media outlets access to the country and to information; further calls on the Turkmen authorities to facilitate unrestricted internet access in the country and to put an end to the dismantling of private satellite dishes, which aim at restricting access of citizens to information from foreign channels;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes the modest improvements introduced in the new law on public associations adopted in 2014; calls on the Turkmen authorities to remove restrictions on civil society organisations and to permit the development of a genuinely independent civil society in the country, namely by easing registration requirements and removing legal provisions which grant authorities unfettered powers to oversee and bar the activities and funding of organisations;