The Commission is very concerned by the recent raid of the offices of the Human Rights Association in Ankara carried out by the Turkish authorities, in which documents and other material were seized.

In view of recently decided political reforms to broaden the scope of the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and association, the harassment of such associations is difficult to understand.

In its Regular Reports, the Commission has identified similar cases; it considers that such events run counter to objectives of the current reforms.

Once again this shows the extent of the gap between the political reforms on one hand and the attitude of the executive and judicial authorities on the other, in terms of implementation.

In this context I would stress that implementation of reforms is a determining factor in the assessment of compliance with the Copenhagen political criteria.

I will take up this issue in my meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Abdullah Gül, to be held in Brussels on Thursday.

According to my information the Turkish Justice Minister has publicly regretted the action by the authorities in the offices of the Human Rights Association. At the same time he recognised the importance of correct implementation of the political reforms. He made it clear that such events should not happen again.

I would point out that the Commission actively supports the Human Rights Association in Turkey, which received grants for a total of € 309,000 over the period 1992-1999. Further funding in the area of human rights is envisaged in the framework of support to actions aimed at the fulfilment of the Copenhagen political criteria. This was set out in the Commission's Communication of 25 March on the strengthened Accession Strategy for Turkey.

I can only stress the importance of full implementation of the legislative reforms in day-to-day life in Turkey. This will be the standard for assessing Turkey's suitability for accession. Human rights organisations must be able to work unhindered and will continue to be supported by the Commission.