Brussels, 13/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - Commenting on the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on the 2013 progress report for Turkey (see EUROPE 11037), the Turkish minister for European Affairs, Mevlüt Cavusoglu, called on the EU on Thursday 13 March to ensure that new negotiation chapters are opened (as called for in the European Parliament's resolution).
Welcoming the “reiterated support of the Parliament for Turkey's accession process”, noting that the Parliament has called on the Council to deliver the benchmarks for the opening of Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security) and emphasising the importance of opening Chapter 15 (Energy) and Chapter 19 (Social Policy and Employment), Cavusoglu expects “prompt action in accordance with these calls”. “The Turkish government will remain committed to the reform agenda and the EU process. It is vital that the EU supports this determination and opens the politically blocked chapters for the smooth progress in the negotiation process. So long as these chapters remain blocked, our people will continue to doubt the sincerity and impartiality of the related criticism”, he added.
Cavusoglu criticises the comments of MEPs on the changes of the laws on the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors and on the internet. He said that the amendments to these laws are in line with the “legislation in many EU member states”.
Cavusoglu welcomed the reference made in the resolution to the adoption, on 1 March, of the action plan to prevent violations of the European Convention on Human Rights. However, he said that it was “regrettable that the resolution fails to address a number of significant reforms carried out in the areas of judiciary and fundamental rights and freedoms “.
“All efforts to play politics with Turkey-EU relations by diverting it from its concrete and legal framework and support to these by the EU undermine the credibility of the EU, damaging the enthusiasm in our nation for the membership”, he added. Cavusoglu concluded by saying that in line with the objective of accession, “we will continue the reforms to provide citizens with a high standard of living. In this process, dialogue and cooperation with the EU will remain among our top priorities.” (CG)