Critical time for turkey?

Turkey’s negotiations to join the EU have reached a ‘critical phase’…

EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, explained: “Turkey is passing through a more critical phase than at any time since its negotiations to join the European Union began three years ago.

“The country could emerge with its democratic institutions strengthened, provided that all sides showed willingness to compromise and the necessary reforms were pushed through”.

Mr Rehn added: “The EU should stand by its commitments on Turkish accession, while Turkey had to play its part by sticking to its reform course. We expect freedom of expression for all. We expect that the rights of women and minorities are protected”.

Regarding slow progress on the accession process, which began in 2005, Rehn said: “Six of 35 chapters in the process have been opened and a further two - business law and intellectual property – will be opened in June. Further chapters, including energy, will be opened under the French EU presidency in the second half of the year”.