European commission releases progress report on Turkey

At a press conference marking the European Commission's release of its annual progress report on Turkey, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn yesterday said that the ongoing Ergenekon probe was giving the nation a chance to face undemocratic aspects of its history. Praising Turkey’s rapprochement with Armenia, Rehn said it would greatly help stability in the region. While the report is considered the most positive and balanced one in recent years, Rehn’s warning on the continuation of enlargement due to Europe’s safety got attention. In related news, State Minister and chief EU talks negotiator Egemen Bagis said that the new progress report was generally positive and balanced. He told a press conference that the report includes many technical components and that it shows Turkey has made much systematic progress and taken sound steps on its way to full membership. Bagis said the report also calls on opposition parties to back Turkey's EU process.