In an interview with the Anatolia news agency in Brussels, Alkaş elaborated on reasons for why the EU had endorses the package of 26 constitutional amendments -- amendments that aim to improve democracy, expand freedoms and better promote respect for human rights in Turkey. He said the changes should have already been made but, if they were approved on Sept. 12, they would have a positive effect on the country. “The constitutional changes are late but if they are approved in the referendum and put into force, they will make a positive contribution to Turkey. The EU finds the constitutional amendment package important, for it would prepare the ground to amend other laws,” he noted.
Alkaş also criticized the way sides carried out campaigns ahead of the historic popular vote. He said they pay little attention to the content of the proposed changes but rather were engaging in a partisan tug-of-war. “As far as I see from the outside, the process in Turkey has turned from a normal referendum into more like a fight between partisans,” he said, adding that the opposition parties' claims that the government is aiming to take control of the judiciary with the changes were “exaggerated.”
When asked if the EU is biased towards the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, as some have speculated, Alkaş said such allegations were untrue. “The European Commission is only aiming to assist Turkey to further democratize and adapt itself to EU standards,” he stated.
Alkaş added that Turkey was always important to the 27-nation bloc with its young population, educated labor force, rapidly growing and competitive economy and its global political influence. He also said he did not agree with the idea that Turkey -- after seeing how the economic crisis affected several struggling EU-member states -- should not push for EU accession. Turkey has made very important reforms over the past few years and further reforms, aimed at meeting EU standards, would certainly increase the quality of life for the country's residents, he noted.
