In the specific case of Mr Birdal, I was able to meet him in Turkey in January of this year and I told him during this meeting of the EU’s solidarity with his situation. It is clear in this respect that the EU has already indicated its concern to the Turkish authorities, through the appropriate channels, about his status and in particular his return to prison.
Dans le cas concret de M. Birdal, que j'ai eu l'occasion de rencontrer en Turquie, en janvier dernier, auquel j'ai voulu manifester ainsi la solidarité de l'Union européenne quant à sa situation très spécifique, il est évident que l'Union européenne n'a eu de cesse de faire part aux autorités turques, par les voies habituelles et de la manière la plus appropriée, de son inquiétude concernant son statut et, en particulier, son retour en prison.