EP calls on ANkara to speed up reforms

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) should resurrect efforts to draw up a new civilian constitution with human rights at the center, according to a new report prepared by Ria Oomen-Ruijten, the European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur. The report, passed yesterday by the EP's Foreign Affairs Commission, covered such subjects as party closure cases and an alleged slowdown in reform efforts. Touching on the continuing Ergenekon probe, the report praised efforts to bring members of criminal networks to justice, but also expressed reservations about reports of suspects being mistreated while in custody. The report urged jurists to abide by principles of a fair trial and the rule of law. In related news, State Minister and chief EU talks negotiator Egemen Bagis, currently in Brussels, yesterday met with Ruijten.