New reform package and EU membership bid
Güncelleme Tarihi:
“The new reform package is aiming to adjust social rights in Turkey to those in force in developed countries,” said Oguz Demiralp, Turkey's Secretary General for the EU. In an exclusive interview with A.A correspondent, Demiralp explained the highlights of the ninth reform package.
"Reform package aims to adjust Turkey's regulations related to human rights and democracy with the European Convention on Human Rights. Also, the ombudsman bill is important. This bill will not only reduce the burden on Turkish courts but also help to the solution of people's complaints. Turkish Court of Accounts Law will ensure the transparency of military budgets, while the amendments to Foundations Law will contribute to settlement of problems regarding minority foundations,” he said.
“Turkey will give the message that it is fighting against corruption as it becomes a part of the related UN convention. Another convention to which Turkey will adhere is the protocol of the European Convention on Human Rights which envisions strengthening of control mechanisms,” noted Demiralp.
FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION & POLITICAL REFORMS
Meanwhile, Demiralp said that the Prime Ministry Inspection Board has been turned into an organ coordinating fight against corruption.
Pointing out that the new reform package foresees a more transparent political system, Demiralp said, “the bill on financing of politics and the bill on establishment of a political ethics commission are also important.”
ADDITION OF POLITICAL CRITERIA TO NEGOTIATIONS
Commenting on the condition attaching Turkey-EU education and culture negotiations on fulfillment of some political criteria, Demiralp said: “This will be discussed within the negotiation process, but education and culture chapter has nothing to do with political criteria. This is what the EU and European Commission has told us. Some member countries try to establish this link. Rules of the game cannot be changed after the game starts. We cannot accept member countries to change the rules of the game, because it will
affect the whole process,” he noted.
ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL
Referring to the additional protocol to the Customs Union, Demiralp said that Turkey's stance is well known.
“We will not open our ports to the Greek Cypriot vessels and aircraft unless isolation of TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) is over. Unless TRNC ports are opened to international trade, Turkish ports will not be opened to the Greek Cypriot ships,” he added.