Cyprus-Forum.com

[paliometoxo]

STRASBOURG – The European Parliament has called on Turkey to implement in full and without discrimination, its commitments stemming from the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement.

A resolution approved by the Parliament also points out that current and potential candidate countries must continue reforming to stay on track for EU membership.

The resolution highlights the importance of implementing judicial reform swiftly to improve the functioning of the Turkish state and society.

MEPs regret the limited progress made in the area of freedom of religion (non-Muslim and Alevi communities) and freedom of expression, following the unprecedented fine imposed on a media group.
The non-fulfillment of commitments stemming from the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement is also criticized in the resolution. Turkey is urged to implement it in full and on a non-discriminatory basis.

MEPs welcome Turkey's signing of the Nabucco gas pipeline agreement and call for the opening of the energy chapter in the accession negotiations. Diplomatic efforts made to normalize relations with Armenia should ratify the relevant protocols, says the resolution.

[bill cobbett]

Leaving aside CyProb, Turkey has a long way to go with internal reforms.