Brussels, 02/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - In a press release published on Wednesday, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn called on all sides to respect the Turkish Constitutional Court's ruling to cancel the first round of the presidential elections, held on 27 April 2007, because the necessary quorum was not reached. In the press release, Rehn explains that respect for state institutions is vital to ensure political stability, and points out that the EU is based on freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the fundamental freedoms of the rule of law, along with the supremacy of civilian over military power. The Commission hopes that the parliamentary and presidential elections will take place in a democratic manner without undue interference, and in an atmosphere of responsible debate and political stability. On Tuesday, the AKP suggested organising early general elections on 24 June 2007, after new presidential elections on 6 May. The European Commission welcomed the announcement of early elections as a way of resolving the current crisis, where the Islamic ruling party of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is being opposed by secular milieus concerned about the election of the new president. The only candidate currently standing is Abdullah Gül, Turkey's foreign minister. (ab)