European Union, Turkish and Developments in the Cultural Rights of Turkey Kurds (1991-2002)

The EU is one of the most important international actors from both political and economic points of view being also attractive for non-member states. This union has provided certain criteria for applicants without conformity with which new membership is not possible. Among the political criteria we may refer to the establishment of stable institutions that guarantee democracy , rule of law, human rights and minorities rights. On the other hand, one of the most essential political goals of Turkey from the beginning of its republican government has been approaching and joining the European Community. Turkey had taken an action to make a national program in this respect for attaining the above mentioned goals and conforming to the legal provisions of the EU. Accordingly ,we witness developments in the field of minorities rights and particularly the cultural rights of Turkish Kurds as a result of the implementation of the above mentioned program during 1991-2002.