ANKARA (CIHAN) - The Turkish cabinet is planning to submit the 9th EU-harmonization package to the parliament in next few days.
The new package that covers legal regulations to be made following the amendments in the Turkish constitution was introduced to cabinet members.
Cabinet spokesman Cemil Cicek told a press conference following a four-hour meeting of the cabinet that the new package includes the removal of the Turkish General Staff representative from the higher education board and the removal of vestigial references to the death penalty from all laws.
The Turkish Prime Minister updated cabinet members on the EU leaders summit in Brussels. Later, the 9th Harmonization package was opened to approval by the cabinet members. The government spokesman said that the draft proposal would be sent to parliament today.
Cicek said that the 9th package includes regulations on the higher education board, the Turkish Radio-Television Supreme Council and the laws of criminal courts. He added that the package also includes regulations apart from the EU harmonization regulations. Cicek said that citizens would obtain their criminal record from the governor's offices instead of courthouses and a notary could be opened anywhere. Formerly notaries could opened in locations that house courthouses.
The cabinet spokesman said that the cabinet intends to pass the package through parliament before the summer break.
Çiçek said that his government took important steps regarding religious freedom and the opening of religious houses of worship. He said that there is no legal obstacle to open a religious houses of worship by followers of any religion. Cicek said that no application to the government is necessary.