Cicek: No article of TCK restricts freedoms

Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek said that any article of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) could not be interpreted as restricting rights or freedoms.

After the Turkish parliament approved the TCK on Sunday, Cicek delivered a brief speech at the General Assembly.

Stating that "the following (EU) process will be a difficult one" Cicek said that he is optimistic that the EU would set a firm date to start entry talks with Turkey.

"We are in favor of freedoms, rights and the supremacy of law. Any article in TCK cannot be interpreted as restricting freedoms or rights," he added. (EÖ-ULG) (YE)