QA-32, 6 September 2016

Remarks made by H.E. Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands regarding the Turkish community, in the beginning of a new election process, during an interview given to the channel NPO 1 on the evening of 4 September 2016, which may be abused by those who may attempt to attribute to the Turkish community in the Netherlands a personal misbehavior against a media member, which we do not approve in any way, do not correspond to the status of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

In a period when statements and actionswith xenophobic motives have intensified across Europe, this kind of unfortunate statements may damage our common efforts to ensure participation of the Turkish community in the Netherlands in every aspect of the social life of the country.

On the other hand, intolerance towards indignation that European Turks feel in the face of acoup attempt, which failed thanks to heroic stand of our nation on July 15, is perceived as support to FETO and deepens our disappointment with friendly and allied countries from which we expect strong solidarity and support.

We call on the authorities in the Netherlands not to maintain a wrong and isolating attitude against the Turkish community in the Netherlands, but instead, to be inclusive and constructive towards its members who exercise their democratic rights within the legal system.