” “Relations with the Republic of Cyprus; the "slowing down of internal reforms"; the protection of the freedom of expression, of religion and the minorities: in the report on the progress made by the forthcoming EU member states, the EU Commission finds "many problems and delays" as to Turkey. But objections are also raised against Croatia, FYROM and the other Balkan countries that might join the EU in the future. The Accession Commissioner, the Finnish Olli Rehn, presented in Brussels the decisions taken by the Executive Committee at today’s meeting. As to Turkey, he stated: "Public opinion generally thinks it is distancing itself from the EU. In fact, we find it has made progress in the fulfilment of the Copenhagen accession criteria, even if in the last year" its reforms "have actually slowed down". However, the EU Commission reserves the right to put forward "specific recommendations before the European Council of December 15th should Turkey fail to meet its obligations". In particular, the European Union will "carefully monitor the full application, by 2006, of the extension of the customs protocol to Cyprus", because "no progress has been made" to "bring relationships" with this member state "back to normal". (to be continued)” “
