ISTANBUL - The European Union (EU) Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen said, ''Turkey seems very determined to follow the path to the EU,'' adding, ''we will make a very correct and neutral assessment in the Progress Report which will be published on October 6th.''
Verheugen shared his comments regarding his visit to Turkey prior to his departure for Brussels on Thursday.
Stressing the importance of struggling against torture in Turkey, Verheugen said, ''torturers must certainly be punished.''
Verheugen said, ''it is important to restore stability in Southeast Anatolia.'' He added, ''it is necessary to set up a strategy to give back the cultural rights (of the local population). I saw a very good start about this issue. Broadcast in mother tongue and education in different languages have started. Especially the education in Kurdish language has started. It should be pursued.''
''Other important issues are betterment of socio-economic condition and eradication of disparities. The EU is already ready to support Turkey on this issues,'' said Verheugen.
Referring to changes to be made in Turkish Penal Code (TCK), Verheugen said, ''certainly Turkish Parliament will take the final decision. And we will make our assessments before we will complete our progress report about Turkey.''
Noting, ''Progress Report about Turkey will be published on October 6th as it was planned,'' Verheugen said, ''now I am returning to Brussels. I am sure that Turkey is really determined. Our assessment will be neutral. We will assess the progress that Turkey has made, but we will also underline its deficiencies. Implementations until today are very successful. The EU has undertaken an important catalyzer role in Turkey's democratization and modernization.''
Verheugen also replied questions.
When recalled discussions on adultery, Verheugen said, ''Not only the adultery issue but the whole TCK is important. TCK is an important point of modernization. Turkish Parliament will take a decision. However I have to tell something on this stage. It is important to be very careful. Any misunderstanding should be avoided.''
(GC-ULG) 09.09.2004