BRUSSELS - Full membership negotiations with Turkey may be affected negatively if ports and airports (of Turkey) are not opened (to the Greek Cypriot ships and planes) till the end of this year, warned the European Commission.
In the conclusion and suggestions chapter of its report on the progress made by Turkey on the road to EU membership, the Commission said, "Turkey continues to meet Copenhagen political criteria successfully, and implement political reforms. However, reforms were slowed down last year. Significant steps, particularly regarding freedom of expression, have to be taken."
The report demanded Turkey to improve rights of non-Muslims, women, labor unions and to enact the civilian control over the army.
Referring to EU's declaration released on September 21st, 2005, the Commission's report said, "the EU expects Turkey to fully implement the Additional Protocol, extending the Ankara Agreement, without discrimination; and lift all obstacles before free movement of goods, so that this movement will cover all cargo vehicles."
The report recalled that the Commission will make necessary recommendations before the European Council meeting due in December if Turkey does not fulfil its obligations, adding that it is important for Ankara to take concrete steps to normalize its bilateral relations with EU member states.