Turkey: European Parliament adopts critical but fair report on Turkey

Following today's vote in the European Parliament on a report (Eurlings) on Turkey's progress towards EU accession, Green MEP Joost Lagendijk, chair of the EP Turkey delegation, said:

"MEPs have today adopted a critical but fair assessment of Turkey's progress towards EU accession, averting fears that the Parliament would undermine those who are driving reforms in Turkey. The report has been tempered following the adoption of a number of Green amendments. The recognition of the Armenian genocide by Turkey is no longer presented as precondition for EU accession. This is a crucial point as it would have strengthened the hands of those in Turkey opposed to reforms. We also welcome the revised passage on Cyprus, which has been made more balanced."

German Green MEP Cem Özdemir added:

"The European Parliament must continue to apply pressure on Turkey to ensure the necessary reforms are implemented. This is best achieved by intensive cooperation and not by closing the door for Turkey or continually moving the goalposts in EP monitoring reports. We need to support those in Turkey who are fighting for reforms and not bolster support for those resisting reform."

Source: www.greens-efa.org/cms/pressreleases/dok/149/149428.turkey@en.htm