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US Officials Do Not Want Turkey’s Governing Party to Shut Down

Politics Materials 26 June 2008 12:49 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan, Baku, 26 June / Trend corr S. Ilhamgizi/ "Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs thinks if political disputes in Turkey lead to shutting down of a party that will be a misfortune," Turkish Anadolu news agency reported.

Turkish opposition parties - Republican National Party and National Movement Party - initiated a constitutional lawsuit against the governing Justice & Development Party to shut it down. They accuse the Justice & Development Party of opposing the civil society.

Justice & Development Party is trying to eliminate the ban on wearing head scarves (hijabs) in state and educational establishments.

Bryza said suspension of operation of a political party in Turkey also does not comply with EU standards: " Turkey is not an EU member for the time being, but it may enter the organization in future. Democratic system and Constitution of Turkey are experiencing evolution. Even if the country continues integration with EU, it must pass evolution period," Bryza said, adding that solving of internal political tensions in Turkey is country's own affair.

"USA cannot issue an ultimatum or threaten," said Bryza.

According to the official, should shutdown of the Justice & Development Party impede Turkey's membership of EU, this would harm United States' international interests as well.

"We back Turkey's efforts to carry out political and economic reforms. Impossibility of EU membership will even more complicate relevant reforms to be carried by Turkish leaders," he said.

The correspondent can be contacted at [email protected]

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