"Turkey approves key EU law
Mon Dec 6, 2004 10:54 AM GMT
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's parliament has approved a key law sought by the European Union, less than two weeks before EU leaders must decide whether the country has made enough reforms to begin long-delayed entry talks.
Parliament passed the criminal procedure bill over the weekend. It will come into effect on April 1, 2005.
Of the laws Turkey is required to enact before the European Union's December 17 summit, only one now remains. That legislation, enabling a newly revised penal code to take effect from April, is expected to be passed by parliament in the coming days.
The criminal procedure bill spells out court procedures and the duties of judges and lawyers. It also deals with such issues as police searches and the tapping of telephones."
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