Parliament passes new foundations law

Despite a hail of criticism from opposition parties, the controversial new Foundations Law was passed overwhelmingly by Parliament yesterday by a vote of 242-72. The law had been sent back to Parliament last year for reconsideration by then President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. In a written statement, European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn welcomed the development, calling it a test of how much value Turkey places on guaranteeing rights and freedoms.