Turkey’s parliament voted for sweeping reforms in order to join the European Union. I’m glad to see another nation coming to its senses by abolishing capital punishment. Among the reforms passed:
- end the death penalty
- allow Kurdish broadcasts and education
- end penalties for criticism of state institutions
- ease restrictions on public demonstrations
- ease restrictions for foreign organisations working in the country
- toughen measures against illegal immigration
- greater freedom for non-Muslim minority religions
Let’s see how the nationalists feel, and if they can knock ol’ Ecevit on his ear between now and November’s elections. After all, they want to have their Kurds (and their way)!