European Commission: Turkey made a step in the right direction

PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States and the European Union have hailed the results from Turkey's referendum on a package of changes to the country's military-era constitution.

The White House said President Barack Obama called Erdogan to congratulate him and "acknowledged the vibrancy of Turkey's democracy as reflected in the turnout" for the referendum.

European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said in a statement that the reforms were "a step in the right direction as they address a number of long-standing priorities in Turkey's efforts towards fully complying with the accession criteria."

But he added that the vote "needs to be followed by other much-needed reforms to address the remaining priorities in the area of fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and freedom of religion."

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle welcomed the success of the referendum and said constitutional reform was critical for Turkey's bid for EU membership, RFE/RL reported.

With nearly all votes from the September 12 referendum counted, some 58 percent of Turks voted in favor of the 26 proposed amendments, which would curb the military's power and reshape the judiciary. Turnout was 77 percent.