ANKARA (dpa) - The Turkish parliament late Friday granted religious minorities greater rights in a decision that overturned a 1936 law criticized as being discriminatory against amongst others Greek, Armenian and Jewish groups.
The law allowing greater property rights for foundations belonging to Turkey's minorities, such as the Greek Orthodox Church or Armenian Orthodox groups, was a part of a series of human rights reforms being debated in a marathon session by the parliament.
With an election already set for November 3, quick passage of the reform package is seen as vital for Turkey if it wants the European Union to set a date for official membership talks when the union meets in Copenhagen in December.
Earlier in the evening the parliament voted to abolish the death penalty by a large majority - a key decision which commentators said showed that all of the reforms should get passed.
The law allowing greater property rights for foundations belonging to Turkey's minorities, such as the Greek Orthodox Church or Armenian Orthodox groups, was a part of a series of human rights reforms being debated in a marathon session by the parliament.
With an election already set for November 3, quick passage of the reform package is seen as vital for Turkey if it wants the European Union to set a date for official membership talks when the union meets in Copenhagen in December.
Earlier in the evening the parliament voted to abolish the death penalty by a large majority - a key decision which commentators said showed that all of the reforms should get passed.