The European Union (EU) on Wednesday warned Turkey over lack of progress in key reforms, saying accession talks would be affected unless action is taken promptly.

In an annual report which assesses progress of EU candidate countries and potential candidate countries, the European Commission hit out at Turkey over freedom of speech, human rights and Ankara's restrictions on direct transport links with Cyprus.

"The key to the success of this (accession talks) process is for Turkey to continue the reforms with full determination and to fulfill its obligations," said European Commission President Jose Manual Barroso after a meeting of the commission over enlargement on Wednesday.

"Today we decided to give a chance for the diplomatic efforts to find a solution. Turkey needs to meet its obligations related to the implementation of the Ankara Protocol. Failure to implement its obligations in full will affect the overall progress in the negotiations.

"The commission will make relevant recommendations ahead of the December European Council if Turkey has not fulfilled its commitments."

Under the Ankara Protocol which Turkey signed in July 2005, Ankara had to extend its customs agreement with the EU's 15 old members to the 10 newcomers, including Cyprus.

But Turkey has so far refused to allow Cyprus to use its ports. Ankara wants the EU to first ease isolation of the Turkish Cypriot authorities.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of Cyprus following a coup on the island by some Greek military officers.

In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities set up a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized by Turkey only.

"No progress has been made on any aspects of normalizing bilateral relations with the Republic of Cyprus," the report said.

The progress report said the pace of reform in Turkey has slowed in the past year.

Elements of Turkey's revised Penal Code, especially Article 301, need to be amended to adequately protect freedom of expression, it said.

The commission, the executive body of the EU, also urged additional efforts to assert civilian control over the military.

It also raised concern over the human rights situation in the southeast of the country.

Turkey and the EU officially opened accession negotiations in October 2005. The talks are expected to last at least a decade and full EU membership for Turkey is not guaranteed.

Source: Xinhua