Turkey approves reform package

Mon., Sept. 27, 2004

Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey – A special session of parliament approved legal reforms Sunday aimed at opening the way for Turkey to begin membership talks with the European Union after the governing party dropped a proposal to criminalize adultery, a plan that had upset EU leaders.

The vote came before an Oct. 6 EU report that is expected to recommend the bloc start negotiations with Turkey.

The reforms, the first overhaul of the penal code in 78 years, revamp Turkey’s criminal laws and include tougher measures against rape, pedophilia and torture and improve human rights standards.

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer must approve the changes before they take effect.

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Turkey approves reform package

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