[ 09 Dec 2008 19:37 ]
Brussels. Alexander Kean – APA. The EU believes that Croatia should speed up reforms, and Turkey has not made sufficient progress for the EU membership, according to a ministerial meeting of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels, reports the APA correspondent.
The Council welcomed Croatia’s considerable efforts it has undertaken this year, but stated that the country should accelerate reforms, particularly in the judiciary, in public administration, fighting corruption, punishment for military crimes, as well as economic reforms.
However, the EU said that Turkey has not made sufficient progress in reforms over this year.
“The Council notes with regret that Turkey has achieved limited progress, particularly on the issue of political reform over the current year “, said the statement.
The Council underlined the strategic importance of Turkey for the EU and praised its active role in diplomatic initiatives in the South Caucasus and Middle East.
In addition, the Council called onTurkey to come close to Armenia.
Ministers noted that Turkey still has to do much more in the fields of judicial reform, fight againt corruption and protection of the human rights, torture and attitude towards prisoners, protection of the rights and freedoms, in particular freedom of speech and faith.
In conclusion, the Council also added that Turkey didn’t manage to make progress towards improving relations with Cyprus and expressed hope for progress in the near future.