The author of this question has been deeply shocked by the extensive coverage in the Western press of the positions assumed on behalf of the EU, notably by the Council Secretary-General, characterised by opposition to respect for the basic principles of any democratic system in Turkey - including secularism or the separation of church and state.

With what democratic legitimacy are the Council's leaders assuming the right to denigrate the basic principles of freedom of religion, as enshrined in Article 10 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights?

Can the Council clarify whether it endorses the statement made on 11 July 2006 by Mr Erdogan, the Turkish Prime Minister, in support of Yassin Al-Qadi, a financial backer of fanatical religious networks who is listed as such by the UN?

Can the Council state whether it endorses the multiple appeals to sharia law made by that same Islamist leader, who has even criticised the Constitution drawn up by secular Turkish leaders because its authors were wine-drinkers?