On the 9th of March the European Union adopted a new resolution on the progress of Turkey in joining the EU. The report stated that the process of reforms went very slowly, which is not enough to enter the EU.
The European Parliament rejected the amendment on making Turkey a “privileged partner” instead of a member. The EP also rejected the fact of genocide of Armenians by Turkey.
The Foreign Ministry of Turkey heavily criticized the EU’s report and urged the European Parliament to develop more objective point of views. Turkey will not give up its attempts to become a member of the EU.
Political expert Togrul Ismail comments on the resolution of the EP.
- What do you think about the adopted resolution?
- The European Parliament resolution welcomed amendments in the Constitution adopted by Turkey. However, it says that these measures are insufficient for democratization of the country. The deputies of the parliament stated the country has serious problems in the sphere of freedom of press, women rights and ethnic minorities’ rights. On the other hand, the resolution stressed the Cyprus problem. It is very difficult issue, which demands not only Turkish efforts. Cyprus is a member of the EU even though according to the rules the participants of the union mustn’t have territorial conflicts.
- The Parliament rejected the fact of recognition events of 1915 in Ottoman Empire as genocide of Armenians. Why was this decision made?
- Politicians mustn’t judge on what genocide is and what is not. It should do scientists. The deputies considered this item unethical and that it could lead to worsen relations with Turkey.
- Will the resolution influence on the Turkish entering the EU?
- Turkey is going to continue its efforts to become a member of the EU. Resolution of the European Parliament should be recommendations for next steps in this way. However, this resolution is rather subjective and one-sided. Turkey is taking active efforts on becoming the EU member since 2005. Nevertheless, there is no progress in it.
Yeugeny Krishtalev, Vsevolod Veselov. Exclusively for VK.
