EUROPEAN COMMISSION: TURKEY HAS MADE PROGRESS IN REFORM

PanARMENIAN.Net
06.11.2007 19:05 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Turkey has made progress in aligning with the
acquit in many areas. But at the same time, it is clear that the
reform process has slowed down in the last years," the European
Commission rapporteur on Turkey, Ms. Ria Oomen-Ruijten said in Brussels
November 6.

"For example, no progress was made with the problems faced by
religious minorities. Furthermore, there has been no progress
towards normalization of bilateral relations with the Republic of
Cyprus. Turkey has overcome the political and constitutional crisis
after the July-elections, fully in line with international standards
and the rule of law. The Government has to use its strong mandate to
make the necessary reforms.

The Parliament expects the new Turkish Government to accelerate
the process of reforms in order to remain a credible partner in the
negotiation process," she said.

"The planned reform of the Turkish Constitution is in my view
crucial. I hope the reforms will be the subject of a wide public debate
and that an overall consensus in Parliament will be reached. A new
Constitution is vital to secure a democratic state. I refer to the
repeal of Article 301 of the Penal Code and other legal provisions
allowing for arbitrary restrictions on the expression of non-violent
opinions, a guarantee for freedom of expression and freedom of the
press, and the adoption of a Law on Foundations that ensures religious
freedom", Oomen-Ruijten concluded.

Commenting on the annual report on the progress of Turkey towards EU
accession, presented by the European Commission today, Dutch Green
MEP and Chairman of the Turkey-EU delegation Joost Lagendijk said:
"The Commission also underlines that Turkish membership is of key
strategic importance for the EU, forming a unique connection between
the west and the Muslim world. For this reason the EU must keep its
promise and not make it more difficult for Turkey. At the same time,
the Turkish government cannot let itself be taken hostage by the PKK
and the recent terrorist attacks; it must continue the reform process,"
ABHABER.com reports.