This report contains details of key proceedings from the Fifth International Conference on the EU, Turkey and the Kurds, organised by the EU-Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC). The conference, which was held at the European Parliament in Brussels from 28 to 29 January 2009, was hosted by EUTCC founders the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales, Medico International, The Thorolf Rafto Foundation, and the Kurdish Human Rights Project, and was supported by members of the European Parliament. This year’s conference was dedicated to the memory of writer, activist and member of the KHRP Board of Patrons, Harold Pinter, who passed away on 24 December 2008.

Proceedings were opened with a speech by KHRP Chief Executive, Kerim Yildiz, a copy of which is available both in the full report and as a separate downloadable transcript from the KHRP website. Throughout the duration of the event, particular emphasis was placed on the need to resolve the ongoing conflict with the PKK in both Northern Iraq and south-east Turkey. The EU was urged to reject the security-centric approach adopted by Turkey in favour of a resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The 2009 Conference built upon previous events, and on the wider work of the EUTCC, by providing a forum for dialogue regarding key issues and developments surrounding Turkish accession and the Kurdish question, as well as adopting new resolutions to maintain confidence, commitment and cooperation from all parties in the processes of accession.

Established in November 2004, the EUTCC monitors and conducts regular audits of Turkey’s compliance with the accession criteria, as defined in the accession agreements. It also makes recommendations, acts as a point of contact, and exchanges information, with the institutions of the EU and other governmental and non-governmental organisations.