Mainstream news Nov. 16

[kurdeng at aps.nl]

; Tue, 21 Nov 1995 20:55:59 -0800


STRASBOURG, Nov 16 (Reuter) - The European Parliament's vote on the
controversial EU-Turkey customs union will take place on December 13, the
parliament's political group leaders decided on Thursday.

The decision indicates a gradual change in mood among MEPs, who only last week
seemed set to postpone their vote until after the Turkish elections on
December 24.

The parliament is under great pressure to give its assent next month so that
the customs union can come into force on time on January 1, 1996.

Whether the plenary vote actually takes place on December 13 depends of course
on whether the foreign affairs committee approves the motion on the customs
union drafted by Spanish United Left MEP Carlos Carnero Gonzalez.

The committee has three course of action open to it.

It may, as planned, vote on the motion on November 22.

If human rights reforms in Turkey have made insufficient progress by then, the
committee may decide to put off its decision until December 7, the Friday
before the December plenary session of the parliament.

Or else the committee may decide to postpone the vote until after the Turkish
elections.

Their opinion may be swayed by the Turkish constitutional court's decision on
whether the elections should take place, expected on Saturday.

ZAMAN

- Court drops case against 20 policemen accused of killing 7 civilians in
  clashes in Istanbul riots in March.

 * Origin: APS Amsterdam (aps.nl), bbs +31-20-6842147 (16:31/2.0)