Mixed reactions to Turkey's reforms

BBC Oct 5, 2001

The Turkish parliament has voted overwhelmingly to overhaul the restrictive 1982
constitution, in a move intended to improve the country's chances of joining the European
Union. 
 
Thirty-four amendments were passed - many of them after almost 20 years of protests by
human rights groups and foreign observers. 

The package has been hailed as a success by many, especially considering the unfavourable
climate for human rights issues, in the aftermath of the 11 September attacks in the United
States. 

But critics say that three other amendments, which failed to win the necessary three-fifths
majority, as well as remaining problems with the constitution, will still cripple Turkey's bid
to join the EU. 

Copenhagen criteria 

Turkey was recognised as a candidate for membership at the Helsinki summit in 1999, but
will only be allowed to begin substantive talks once political and economic conditions -
known as the Copenhagen criteria - are met. 

"A great step has been taken in order to improve our democracy," Prime Minister Bulent
Ecevit told parliament after the vote. 

Among the most significant changes is the abolition of the death penalty, except for terrorist
offences, or in times of war. 

No executions have taken place in Turkey since 1984, but the amendment was carefully
drafted to leave open the possibility that the Kurdish guerrilla leader, Abdullah Ocalan, can
still be executed. 

He was sentenced to death in December 1999 for organising a 15-year uprising of Kurds in
Turkey. 

Kurdish issue 

The rights of the estimated 12 million Kurds in Turkey remain extremely restricted, even
after the current amendments. 

They are still not recognised as a minority, and have no right to education in their own
language. 

They will, however, now be allowed, in principle, to broadcast in Kurdish. 

Broadcasts can still be banned if they are judged to threaten "national security" and "public
safety".