EP concerned over media censorship in TurkeyMarch 10, 2011 - 14:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on the progress of Turkey with the support of a large majority of MEPs. The resolution prepared by rapporteur Ria Oomen-Ruijten of the Netherlands, indicated that arrest of journalists such as Nedim Sener and Ahmet Sik could lead to lack of confidence in judiciary, adding that such trials, on the contrary, should strengthen the democracy in the country. The European Parliament called on the high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to intensify the existing dialogue with Turkey on foreign policy issues of mutual interest since Turkey became a source of inspiration in the Arab world with its secularism and democracy. The European Parliament welcomed the adoption of constitutional amendments as a step in the right direction, and urged their proper implementation with full observance of the standards of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). It underlined at the same time, however, the pressing need for overall constitutional reform transforming Turkey into a fully fledged pluralistic democracy with the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms at its core The parliament expressed its concerns about the deterioration in freedom of the press, about certain acts of censorship and about growing self-censorship within the Turkish media, including on the internet, and called on the Turkish government to uphold the principles of press freedom. It also underscored the need for adoption of a new media law addressing, inter alia, the issues of independence, ownership and administrative control, the Anatolian News Agency reports. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |