European Parliament criticizes Turkey for slow reform

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Parliament criticized Turkey for slowing down the reforms provided by the EU accession talks. EP rapporteur Oomen Ruijten developed a report which records lack of rule of law in the country.



The General Staff's initiative on dissolution of the AKP ruling party was also subjected to sharp criticism. She made a special mention of investigation into Ergenekon network and arrest of over 40 people, including politicians, journalists and intellectuals.



"Despite adoption of the bill allowing to wear a headscarf university, it's not put into practice," Ms Ruijten said, adding that the army should restrain its activities.



The EP rapporteur called on the Turkish authorities to repeal article 301 and resolve the Kurdish problem politically, RIA Novosti reports.



Turkish media says the draft report may be amended before April 3, then it will be submitted for EP vote. Accession talks were launched in October 2005. The process may take some 10-15 years.