§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of Turkey's ban of the Virtue Party on Turkey's prospects of joining the EU; and if he will make a statement. [2982]
§ Peter HainWe are concerned at the Turkish Constitutional Court's decision to order the closure of Fazilet. The decision has worrying implications for democratic pluralism and freedom of expression in Turkey. The EU statement of 25 June (available on the internet at http://ue.eu.int/newsroorn/main.cfm?LANG=1) expressed this concern. Turkey (like all other candidates) must meet the Copenhagen political criteria before beginning negotiations to join the European Union.