MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the importance of the ways used to enforce the just-passed amendment package. A summary of his column is as follows:
Amendments have been made to the Constitution. The harmonization laws regarding these amendments have also passed. Now it is the time to see how they are enforced. This is the stance of the EU in relation to the 'mini-democracy package' adopted in Parliament this week. The Europeans view favorably the recent performance of the Turkish Parliament. The discussions over the mini-package had roused concern in Europe that Turkey could be led astray from its reformist goals. If the package had been adopted without any changes, there would have been problems in Turkish-EU relations. This scenario was averted at the last moment when Parliament acted correctly. Some of the legal changes regarding harmonization with the EU have been carried out. This is believed to be a positive step one bringing Turkey closer to accession negotiations with the EU. The change in terminology from 'possibility' to 'danger' should be reflected in the rulings of the courts. In other words, judges should be able to demonstrate that they have understood these changes clearly. The fact that the main goal in the amendments to the law was to harmonize the Turkish legal system with that of EU standards should not be forgotten. It is frequently stated that political and economic reforms should be implemented not because international organizations request it, but because Turkish public, which deserves better living standards, sincerely wants it. In fact, during discussions over the 'mini-reform package' the reactions shown by various sectors of the society displayed how strong this desire was. Those who defended the view that no changes were necessary argued that similar laws also existed in EU countries. Certainly, there are laws in EU countries aimed at protecting public order. However, these laws don't restrict basic human rights or freedom of expression, and neither do they impose heavy prison sentences. If the substance of these laws is considered as a basis, then their enforcement should constitute an example as well.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION