BRUSSELS (AFP) - EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen expressed satisfaction at Turkey`s reform progress, saying there were "no more obstacles" on the table after talks with the country`s leader.
His comments came after talks with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who pledged to push through a disputed penal code reform bill "as soon as possible" and confirmed that Turkey`s parliament will meet in special session Sunday.
"We have been able to find solutions for the remaining outstanding problems," Verheugen reporters at a joint press conference with Erdogan after talks at a Brussels hotel.
He recalled that during a visit to Turkey this month to assess its progress towards meeting EU membership criteria, he expressed concerns about two key issues: reform to the penal code and charges of systematic torture in Turkey.
Verheugen said he had "made it very clear that the adoption of the penal code is a very important element for the final assessment of whether the (European Union`s) political criteria are met or not."
"My conclusion is that there are no more obstacles on the table now," he said, adding: "From my point of view there are no further conditions which Turkey must fulfil in order to allow the commission to make a recommendation."
Verheugen is due to publish a crucial European Commission report on Turkey`s reform progress on October 6, on the basis of which EU leaders will decide in December whether to start EU membership negotiations with Ankara.
He has long been widely expected to deliver a positive assessment. But a row over the penal reform -- and specifically proposals to make adultery a criminal offence -- has raised serious question marks in Brussels in the last few weeks.
"The assurance I got today from my friend Mr. Erdogan will allow me to make a very clear recommendation," Verheugen said.
He added that his concerns over torture in Turkey had been allayed, after EU experts studied the charges.
"I am very pleased to say that the experts ... came back with a clear message that it is not justified to accuse Turkey of conducting systematic torture," he said.
The Turkish leader, smiling as he shook hands with Verheugen for the cameras, also expressed satisfaction after the talks.
"I`m very happy as a result of this meeting, which has been very productive," said Erdogan. "I believe that this meeting is going to prepare a very positive foundation for the progress report of Turkey," he said.
Erdogan recalled the reform legislation already passed, and underlined Ankara`s determination to implement it.
"We have taken important steps on reforms, and now we are following with important steps in implementing them," he said. "We are very determined to do this ... to implement all the reforms seriously."
EU officials said that Erdogan had promised Verheugen that the bill would be adopted without a controversial amendment aimed at making adultery a criminal offence -- a move the EU said would seriously compromise Turkey`s hopes.
Almost simultaneously with Erdogan`s talks in Brussels, officials in Ankara said the parliament will meet in extraordinary session on Sunday to debate the disputed penal code.
Parliamentary sources in Ankara said the decision to convene parliament at the weekend was made in Brussels as part of assurances Erdogan gave Verheugen, and was conveyed to the parliament speaker who is tasked with summoning lawmakers back from recess.