The main stumbling blocks in the report, put to a vote by the European Parliament on 4 September 2006, are insufficient progress in the area of freedom of expression, minority rights, corruption and violence against women. Even though it welcomes the progress made so far, the report criticises “persistent shortcomings” in many areas.
Turkey’s refusal to open its sea and air ports to Cyprus traffic remains another obstacle. Elmar Brok, chairman of the EP’s foreign affairs committee told the Guardian: “This is serious because the Cyprus question has not been resolved. But our report is constructive because it sets out which problems need to be resolved.”
In the meantime, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn has sent a letter to the Turkish Foreign Minister, Abdullah Gül, criticising the slow pace of reform and especially the shortcomings in the area of freedom of expression.
The Commission is to issue its annual progress report on Turkey on 24 October 2006. The European Parliament’s opinion is important with regard to Turkey’s accession, as it is required to give its assent to new members joining the EU.
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