Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-09-07-Speech-3-245"
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"en.20050907.20.3-245"2
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".
I am fully aware of the long-standing interest in, and concern about, the issue of Turkey expressed by certain representatives in this Parliament. While I am respectful of the views that they hold, I would respectfully remind them of the decision both of this Parliament and, indeed, of the European Council on the issue of opening accession talks on 3 October – recognising, of course, the work that is presently under way.
On the specific points that were raised: firstly, in relation to women's rights, a package of major constitutional amendments was passed in May that confirms the equality between men and women. The new penal code significantly strengthens women's rights, removing sentence reductions for honour killings and abolishing the article that enabled rapists to escape jail if they married their victim.
I understand that the Turkish Parliament has agreed to set up a 15-member commission to investigate honour killings in Turkey, looking at the causes and possible preventative measures. I am sure that is a matter which would find widespread support and would be welcomed by many Members of this Parliament.
On the broader issue of religious minorities, which was the genesis of the question: it is also worth bearing in mind that the head of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Istanbul has said that, as a result of European Union harmonisation reforms, his community has found it easier to worship, and that attitudes towards them have changed in recent months."@en1
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