ANKARA (A.A) - 03.08.2002 - The European Union (EU) Commission welcomed adoption of the third European Union (EU) Reform Package by the Turkish Parliament on Saturday as an important signal of the determination of the majority of Turkey's political leaders towards further alignment to the values and standards of the EU.
Releasing a statement, the EU Commission recalled that the Turkish Parliament adopted these important decisions in record time and with an overwhelming majority.
''The Commission welcomes in particular the abolition of the death penalty, the allowance of broadcasting in different languages and dialects used traditionally by Turkish citizens in their daily lives and the improved education possibilities for minority languages. These reforms are significant steps towards better protection of human rights and the rights of minorities in Turkey,'' it said.
Stressing that the overall reform package needs to be carefully analysed in order to fully assess its impact, the EU Commission said that this would be done in the Regular Report to be presented in autumn and much would depend on its practical implementation that will be closely monitored in the months to come.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Guenter Verheugen, responsible for EU Enlargement, said, ''I welcome the courageous decision of the Turkish Parliament. This decision would not have been possible without a clear European perspective that the EU has developed for Turkey since the European Council of Helsinki in 1999.''
''The Turkish decision also shows that the EU is right in being firm as regards human rights and the protection of minorities. Our position starts paying off. Not to give in on these issues makes our partners better understand why we so strongly defend our values and that they are precious for us. As regards the abolition of death penalty, no doubt, Turkey is now on our side,'' Verheugen said.