Problems in democratization, media freedom hinder Turkey's EU talks: IKV chief

Among the most significant obstacles to rekindling talks on Turkey?s EU membership are restrictions on democratization, media freedom, freedom of expression, and human rights, Economic Development Foundation (IKV) Secretary General Çi?dem Nas has said, following German Chancellor Angela Merkel?s high-profile recent visit to Turkey.

Merkel?s remarks on cooperation with Turkey in solving refugee crisis and accelerating EU talks were the headlines of the visit, but Nas expressed skepticism about progress being made without relying on the pillars of democracy and human rights.

?It is not a hopeful picture unless Turkey ?wins the EU?s favor? in terms of democracy and human rights,? she said.

Nas expressed doubts that Turkish demands for more support on the issue of migrants would be met in the short term, questioning how the 3 billion-euro aid would be given by Brussels.

?It is unclear whether or not this amount will be met from a different fund. Perhaps ? an additional fund could be discussed because the EU?s funds allocated to countries such as Turkey are already obvious,? she said.

Nas also touched on Merkel?s expressed will to open six negotiation chapters, saying the easiest one to be opened related to ?economic and fiscal policy.? She added that Turkey favored the opening of such ?softer? chapters on unionization, public aid and competition.

?It will be good for Turkey if the 23rd chapter [Judicial and Fundamental Rights] and 24th chapter [Justice, Freedom, Security] are opened because they are preliminaries for political criteria ahead of visa liberation,? Nas said, adding that she does not expect visa liberation without all 72 criterias being met.

?Perhaps Turkey?s sensibility on the visa issue has...