Many objections have been raised by the report of the Dutch MEP Ria Oomen-Ruijten against Erdogan’s Government. The report, that will be submitted to Parliament in Strasbourg on May 21st, asks Ankara to "protect the freedom of expression, association and worship" and "defend the religious minorities". It must also "guarantee civilian control over the army, the independence of the judges and the protection of women from abuse, improve the situation of migrants, cease military action in Iraq, and make peace with Armenia". The report recalls that the accession negotiations began on October 3rd 2005 and that "the opening of such negotiations is the starting point of a long-term, indefinite process". In addition, it states that "full compliance with all the Copenhagen criteria, like the ability to fit in with the European Union, remain essential prerequisites for accession". The report mentions the recent "progress report" of the EU Commission and concludes that in 2007 "limited progress was made in the area of political reform", even if "democracy has grown stronger". The report, which will have to be discussed and voted on by Parliament, urges the Turkish Government to keep its promises "to firmly go on along the way of reforms".
