EU report on Turkey marks lack of “adequate dialogue”

PanARMENIAN.Net - A draft version of an annual European Union Progress Report on Turkey says that Turkey has been making progress on its way to EU accession concerning fields spelled out by the Copenhagen political criteria, but the country should focus on major elements, such as drafting a new constitution, before it can fully comply with the criteria, Today's Zaman reported

The draft report obtained by the news portal hailed the electoral process during the June 12 general elections in Turkey, saying the process was “free and fair” and generally marked by “pluralism and a vibrant civil society,” while adding that the voting and counting process at the end of the day were carried out in a calm and professional manner. The report, however, also pointed toward a lack of “adequate dialogue” and a “spirit of compromise” between political parties after the elections, which made it difficult for key institutions to cooperate and disrupted the continuation of the reform process in the country.

While the report voiced gaps and concerns over the handling of the legal process, it acknowledged that the investigations, particularly Ergenekon, remained an opportunity for Turkey “to shed light on alleged criminal activities against democracy,” as well as to strengthen confidence in “the proper functioning of its democratic institutions and the rule of law.”

The report also recognized President Abdullah Gül as a figure that “continues to maintain his conciliatory role in the face of the polarization prevailing in the country” and one that plays an active role in foreign policy. It also suggested that Turkey should make the establishment of an ombudsman's office a priority.

The EU progress report, the final outcome of 12 monthly assessments for the country in question, is published yearly for each candidate state, evaluating the country's performance towards EU membership.