[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 23061] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]REGARDING TURKEY'S ACCESSION TO THE EUROPEAN UNION ______ HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concerns with Turkey's progress toward meeting its European Union, EU, accession criteria. Today marks the deadline set by the EU for Turkey to demonstrate its willingness to implement the necessary policy changes prior to a summit scheduled for December 14-15 in Brussels, where the EU members will decide if Turkey will continue its accession process. In a report released last month, the European Commission criticized Turkey's efforts to fulfill its obligations. In many critical areas including political rights and economic reforms, Turkey has much work to do. For example, Turkey is expected to show greater respect for and protection of human, civil, and political rights by guaranteeing freedom of expression in line with European standards. Additionally, Turkey has yet to ratify the Additional Protocols to the European Charter on Human Rights. Turkey must do more to protect religious freedoms, guarantee legal protections for women and children, and comply with International Labor Organization standards, including the right to collective bargaining. The report also detailed necessary improvements to infrastructure still to be made as well as the signing of the Energy Community Treaty that establishes a regional energy market in southeast Europe. Finally, Turkey's obligations toward Cyprus remain unfulfilled. As part of this process, Turkey must normalize its relations with Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004. Unfortunately, Turkey still refuses to recognize Cyprus or open its ports and airports to Cypriot ships and airplanes. Additionally, Turkey has yet to extend the Customs Union to Cyprus to promote the free movement of goods and the removal of barriers to trade. If Turkey wants to join the EU, it should play by the rules. Turkey is fully responsible for the outcome of this process, including if talks break off. If Turkey truly wants to be a member of the EU, it knows what actions it must take. Turkey is at an important crossroads in determining its future. I will be watching with great interest to see how it handles all of these matters. I hope that it makes the right decision and takes immediate steps to meet its accession criteria. ____________________