EU Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn said Turkey should continue adopting reforms especially the judicial reforms, noting that the existence of a neutral, independent, reliable and a transparent judiciary in Turkey was indispensable, reported New Anatolian.
Speaking after the meeting of the association council between Turkey and the EU in Brussels, Rehn said "The progress of Turkey's EU membership negotiations was based on the Turkey's ability to adopt and fulfil the reforms."
Rehn praised efforts of Turkey to amend articles that limit freedom of expression, saying, "We are pleased with Turkey's adoption of Law on Foundations and amending article 301 of Turkish Penal Code. Turkey should also revise other articles that limited freedom of expression."
Rehn advised Turkey to focus more on judicial reforms.
Also speaking at the meeting EU president Slovenia's FM Dimitrij Rupel said "Turkey recorded a significant progress on EU membership path, and we wish reforms to be pursued. EU paid attention to Turkey's role in international politics and cited Turkey's facilitator role in Israeli-Syrian talks as an example."
Rupel said that Turkey was one of the most important allies and partners of the EU; and it would be one of the most important members of the Community after this process was completed.