YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS. The European Commission has registered a regress in Turkey’s justice, human rights, freedom of speech and media, as well as in a number of sectors, reports “Armenpress”.

The European Commission published an annual assessment report on November 9 over the major political and economic reforms carried out by Turkey necessary for the EU membership.

The part of the report referring to South Caucasus and Central Asia says Turkey was vocal in its support for Azerbaijan during clashes in April 2016 in Nagorno Karabakh.

The 2009 protocols on normalization of relations with Armenia are not yet ratified.

The report underscores also the Turkish authorities’ strict and regular reaction towards the recognition of the 1915 Genocide.

The authors of the report referred also to the main case launched in connection with the assassination of Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in 2007, the obstacles of opening a university department for Armenian language by the Armenian Patriarchate, as well as the activity of Grey Wolves organization on hate speech against Armenians in Kars.

The publication of the report was followed by the strict criticism of the Turkish authorities.

Turkish Minister for EU Affairs Omer Celik even called it unconstructive and biased.