The European Commission on Wednesday, October 10 criticized Turkey for its human rights record and insufficient reforms, Reuters said.

"The situation regarding the respect of fundamental rights on the ground continues to be the source of serious preoccupation," it said.

It listed the rights to liberty and security and to a fair trial, as well as the freedom of expression, assembly and association, as areas of particular concern.

As a consequence of government policies, it said, self-censorship by the media was increasingly widespread.

The Commission criticized Ankara for poor cooperation with the EU during the second half of this year, as EU member Cyprus has held the bloc's rotating presidency.

Turkey's EU path is complicated by Cyprus, divided between Greek Cypriot and Turkish parts. Only Ankara recognizes the northern part of the island as a sovereign state.