[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           REGARDING TURKEY'S ACCESSION TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concerns 
with Turkey's progress toward meeting its European Union, EU, accession 
criteria.
  Today marks the deadline set by the EU for Turkey to demonstrate its 
willingness to implement the necessary policy changes prior to a summit 
scheduled for December 14-15 in Brussels, where the EU members will 
decide if Turkey will continue its accession process.
  In a report released last month, the European Commission criticized 
Turkey's efforts to fulfill its obligations. In many critical areas 
including political rights and economic reforms, Turkey has much work 
to do. For example, Turkey is expected to show greater respect for and 
protection of human, civil, and political rights by guaranteeing 
freedom of expression in line with European standards. Additionally, 
Turkey has yet to ratify the Additional Protocols to the European 
Charter on Human Rights. Turkey must do more to protect religious 
freedoms, guarantee legal protections for women and children, and 
comply with International Labor Organization standards, including the 
right to collective bargaining. The report also detailed necessary 
improvements to infrastructure still to be made as well as the signing 
of the Energy Community Treaty that establishes a regional energy 
market in southeast Europe.
  Finally, Turkey's obligations toward Cyprus remain unfulfilled. As 
part of this process, Turkey must normalize its relations with Cyprus, 
which joined the EU in May 2004. Unfortunately, Turkey still refuses to 
recognize Cyprus or open its ports and airports to Cypriot ships and 
airplanes. Additionally, Turkey has yet to extend the Customs Union to 
Cyprus to promote the free movement of goods and the removal of 
barriers to trade. If Turkey wants to join the EU, it should play by 
the rules.
  Turkey is fully responsible for the outcome of this process, 
including if talks break off. If Turkey truly wants to be a member of 
the EU, it knows what actions it must take.
  Turkey is at an important crossroads in determining its future. I 
will be watching with great interest to see how it handles all of these 
matters. I hope that it makes the right decision and takes immediate 
steps to meet its accession criteria.

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