You Are Not Democrat

In his article titled 'You Are Not Democratic', Hurriyet columnist Yalcin Dogan summarizes the position of the European Union (EU) on Turkey, as stated in a report published at the end of Turkey-EU Association Council meeting held in Luxembourg.
Dogan thinks that EU has expressed uneasiness about Turkey's recent performance on its way to EU and believes that EU tried to give the message that 'Turkey is not a democratic country yet.'
Dogan says that EU clearly warns Turkey in the report and discusses the problems of Turkey one by one.
According to Dogan, here are the main concerns which EU raised in its report:
''The report mainly criticizes the influence of the military and refers to the need for civilians to have full control over the army. In judiciary, EU mentions the importance of implementation of reforms and notes that Turkey should seriously launch efforts to get rid of the torture and mistreatment.''
''As regards to freedom of thought and expression, EU also criticizes Turkey and stresses that there are still significant restrictions. EU denounces trial and conviction of writers, journalists and other intellectuals because of their thoughts and also strongly criticizes the police's attitude towards people. Referring to the harsh stance which the police took on Women's Day, EU notes that it expects those policemen be punished. EU also thinks that women's rights were not fully respected in Turkey and condemns violence against women, stating that 'honor killings' are still a problem in Turkey.''
''EU also request the extension of the customs union to the Greek Cypriot side and urges Turkey to establish similar economic relations (it has with other EU countries) with Greek Cypriot side. EU clearly tells that Turkey has to open its ports to Greek Cypriot ships to assure free movement of goods.''
''Maybe the only positive comment of EU about Turkey comes in the economic field and EU praises the economy of Turkey.''
In sum Dogan believes that Turkey should work hard on its way to EU.