EUobserver.com, Belgium
Feb 21 2008
Turkey approves key EU-sought reform
21.02.2008 – 09:05 CET | By Renata Goldirova
The European Commission has hailed Turkey for approving a law to
strengthen the property rights of non-Muslim minorities – something
long sought by the EU which Ankara hopes to join one day.
"The adoption of the new law on foundations is a welcome step
forward", EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn said in response to
Wednesday’s vote in the Turkish parliament (20 February).
But he added: "It is implementation that will be the test of Turkey’s
progress in ensuring rights and freedoms".
Under the newly-adopted bill, Christian and Jewish foundations will
be able to re-gain properties previously confiscated by the state,
such as churches or schools. Assets sold on to third parties are not
included, however.
Some 242 parliamentarians voted in favour of the reform, while 72
were against. The bill still needs backing from the country’s
president, although it is expected to go smoothly. President Abdullah
Gul comes from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
According to data cited by AP, the predominantly Muslim country with
a population of almost 75 million includes 65,000 Armenian Orthodox
Christians, 23,000 Jews and approximately 2,500 Greek Orthodox
Christians.
Turkey started its EU membership talks in October 2005 and since then
it has opened six out of 35 negotiating chapters. Eight areas are
blocked from further progress by member states due to Ankara’s
failure to meet its trading commitments to EU member Cyprus.