J.C.C. Pays High Attention To Constitutional Reforms, Joint Declaration

ISTANBUL - A joint declaration following Friday's Turkey-EU Joint Consultation Committee (JCC) meeting said on Friday that the JCC pays high attention to constitutional reforms in Turkey.
"The reform process should be viewed as opportunities that will get Turkey closer to the EU. The JCC calls on the Turkish government to reach a consensus with Turkish NGOs," said the joint declaration.
"The JCC encourages the Turkish government for the implementation of reforms. It underlines the importance of a lasting dialogue between the Turkish government and Turkish NGOs," the declaration said.
"The Committee welcomes the opening of two more chapters under the term presidency of Portugal. The JCC is especially pleased to see the beginning of negotiations that will expand the roles of consumer organizations and strengthen the protection of the health of consumers. The JCC calls on term presidents Slovenia and France to open negotiations on other chapters so vital for the NGOs," said the joint declaration.
"The Committee calls on the European Commission and Turkish government to consult Turkish NGOs and constantly provide information to them on Turkey's progress," noted the joint declaration.
"The JCC draws attention to the importance of life time learning," it said.
"It has taken a note of the Constitutional reform process in Turkey and believes that the process will provide an opportunity for further freedoms and rights for labor unions," said the joint declaration.
(SOL-EÖ)