Turkey dragging heels on reforms, report claims

A HIGHLY critical report to be released next week accuses Turkey of dragging its heels on political reforms and demands significant improvements in 2007 if Ankara is to stay on track to join the European Union.

The draft report says Turkey is failing to meet minimum human rights standards and cites problems with freedom of expression, women’s and trade union rights and civilian control over the military.

While reported cases of torture and ill treatment are down, “the pace of reforms has slowed”, says the report, which calls for “determined efforts” in 2007 to improve the situation.