Draft proposal to the Resolution B6-0105/09 on Turkey’s progress towards accession to the European Union in 2008 has been discussed in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, APA’s Europe bureau reports.

Dutch parliamentarian, representative of European People’s Party Ria Oomen-Ruijten prepared the report on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The document envisages full compliance with all the Copenhagen criteria, sustainable economic development in the country, neighborhood policy, strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Turkey and the European Union.
In their proposals to the resolution European parliamentarians touched on ethnic minorities and respect for ethnic minorities. The document welcomes the beginning of the trial against those accused of being members of the Ergenekon criminal organization and encourages the authorities to continue investigations.
The document condemns the violence perpetrated by the PKK and other terrorist groups on Turkish soil; reiterates its solidarity with country-regionplace Turkey in the fight against terrorism and once again calls on the PKK to declare and respect an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
European parliamentarians were not satisfied with Turkey’s steps towards accession to the European Union. Some parliamentarians said Turkey was not completely ready to become member of the European Union. Speaking of the problems they touched on Cyprus problem, the so-called Armenian genocide and opening of borders with Armenia.
The parliamentarians called Turkey to withdraw its forces from Cyprus. They also called Turkey to establish political and economic relations with Armenia.
Final discussions on the proposals to the resolution have finished today. The document will be put to the vote tomorrow.
Strasbourg. Fuad Gulubayli – APA