APA, Azerbaijan
March 13 2009

Discussions held on draft proposal to Resolution on Turkey’s progress
towards accession to European Union in 2008

[ 12 Mar 2009 11:05 ]

Strasbourg. Fuad Gulubayli ` APA. Draft proposal to the Resolution
B6-0105/09 on Turkey’s progress towards accession to the European
Union in 2008 has been discussed in the European Parliament in
Strasbourg today, APA’s Europe bureau reports.

Dutch parliamentarian, representative of European People’s Party Ria
Oomen-Ruijten prepared the report on behalf of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs. The document envisages full compliance with all the
Copenhagen criteria, sustainable economic development in the country,
neighborhood policy, strengthening of bilateral cooperation between
Turkey and the European Union.
In their proposals to the resolution European parliamentarians touched
on ethnic minorities and respect for ethnic minorities. The document
welcomes the beginning of the trial against those accused of being
members of the Ergenekon criminal organization and encourages the
authorities to continue investigations.
The document condemns the violence perpetrated by the PKK and other
terrorist groups on Turkish soil; reiterates its solidarity with
country-regionplace Turkey in the fight against terrorism and once
again calls on the PKK to declare and respect an immediate and
unconditional ceasefire.
European parliamentarians were not satisfied with Turkey’s steps
towards accession to the European Union. Some parliamentarians said
Turkey was not completely ready to become member of the European
Union. Speaking of the problems they touched on Cyprus problem, the
so-called Armenian genocide and opening of borders with Armenia.
The parliamentarians called Turkey to withdraw its forces from
Cyprus. They also called Turkey to establish political and economic
relations with Armenia.
Final discussions on the proposals to the resolution have finished
today. The document will be put to the vote tomorrow.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress