Turkish Deputy Prime Minister's Comments Not Approved by Legislators

Comments made by Masoud Yilmaz, the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey, aimed at garnering necessary support for fundamental reforms ahead of the anticipated early elections in Turkey this year, were not approved by Turkish legislators. Mr. Yilmaz stated on Wednesday that he has not seen the promised support for the reforms. He made these remarks following discussions with the government coalition allies and opposition parties. Fifteen European Union member countries are calling for Turkey to implement police reforms, abolish the death penalty, and legalize Kurdish broadcasting as part of a series of extensive reforms. Europeans want these reforms to be enacted before considering Turkey's EU membership application. Mr. Yilmaz has placed EU membership on the agenda of his Motherland Party. He expressed concern that if the parliament does not take action on the desired reforms before the early elections in November, the momentum for reform will be lost. Many other Turkish officials, including the ailing Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, have expressed doubts that legislators will engage in the lengthy process of enacting laws for reform while the election campaign is ongoing.