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Turkey gets mixed report card from EU

BRUSSELS, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The Turkish government is commended for work on resolving issues with the Kurdish minority though the political climate is polarized, the European Union said.

Turkey aspires to a closer relationship with the European Union. The EU said it was mindful of reforms needed for improved ties, notably steps taken to resolve issues with the Kurdish minority.

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Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in September unveiled a sweeping package of reforms Monday meant to resolve the 30-year conflict. Among his reforms were concessions for the Kurdish language and a reversal on the ban of traditional headscarves for women.

The EU said, however, the political climate in Turkey is "marked by polarization." This was exemplified in nation-wide protest early this year, which the EU said was largely a reaction to a democracy "relying exclusively on parliamentary majority, rather than a participative process in which all voices are heard."

Amnesty International published a 53-page report Oct. 2 on allegations of the excessive use of police force during this year's unrest. The organization said demonstrators were denied their right to peaceful assembly through the use of intimidation.

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The EU said its mixed assessment underlined "the importance for the EU to enhance its engagement with Turkey on fundamental rights."

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