EU Welcomes Early Elections in Turkey

Commenting on the political situation in Turkey, the European Union's commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn said: "The Commission expects that the parliamentary and presidential elections will be carried out democratically without any undue interference, and in an atmosphere of responsible debate and political stability".

Referring to last week's declaration by the Turkish General Staff, Rehn noted that one of the EU's founding principles is the supremacy of democratic civilian power over the military.

"This is the core of the Copenhagen criteria of EU accession", Rehn said. Turkey's bid for accession into the union is still at the phase of negations.

On another account, Council of Europe General Secretary Terry Davis criticized the Turkish army's interference to politics, saying "it's a deliberate attempt to influence the presidential elections".

"They should stay in their barracks and keep out of politics", said Davis and added:

"The Turkish people have achieved great progress in respect for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law since Turkey's accession to the Council of Europe in 1949. These achievements should not be put at risk".(EÜ)