EU summit draft obtained by Anadolu Agency

The draft resolution of an EU summit planned to be held on 19-20 December will have more balanced and positive expressions on Turkey compared to previous years, according to an AA correspondent in Brussels. AA understands that the EU will underline the significance of relations with Turkey and its contentment over the opening of chapter 22 “Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments” in the resolution. The draft resolution praises the latest reforms in Turkey and the democratization package announced by PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently. The draft resolution also praises Turkey’s Syria policy and especially the humanitarian aid by Turkey to refugees, says the AA correspondent. The active dialogue in order to solve the terror issues in Turkey was among the other praiseworthy points in the draft. The draft resolution also underlines the freedom of media issue and says the EU is concerned about court cases regarding some journalists and bans introduced on some web sites, says the AA correspondent who had a chance to obtain the draft. The draft resolution also has a part regarding the readmission agreement and the visa liberalization for Turkish citizens but this section is still in brackets as the deal has not been signed yet. EU’s draft resolution is also set to repeat the criticisms regarding the relations with Greek Cypriot administration. The draft will be given a final shape by EU foreign ministers who are set to convene next Tuesday and the resolution will be voted on during the summit.