Eurasia Press & News
The European Parliament Wednesday expressed deep concern at recent allegations of high-level corruption in Turkey and stressed that constitutional reform must remain the top priority for its modernisation and democratisation.
In a resolution adopted today, the EP said negotiations with the EU must continue to provide a clear framework for Turkey’s reforms.
It regrets the removal of the prosecutors and police officers in charge of the original high-level corruption investigations, stressing that this goes against the fundamental principle of an independent judiciary.
“Turkey has embarked on reform for the benefit of its own citizens. Recent developments in the area of fundamental freedoms, independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression and others are however a cause of grave concern for us,” said EP rapporteur on Turkey Ria Oomen-Ruijten.
“We now need a serious, constructive dialogue with Turkey on these subjects and Turkey needs to show true commitment to its European aspirations and to the values upon which the EU is founded,” added the Dutch MEP.
