The European Commission has registered regress in Turkey regarding the spheres of justice, human rights, freedom of speech and media, as well as a number of other sectors.

The statement is made in the annual assessment report over the major political and economic reforms implemented by Turkey required for the EU membership which  has been published by the European Commission.

The section of the report referring to South Caucasus and Central Asia states that Turkey has overtly supported Azerbaijan during the clashes launched in Nagorno Karabakh in April 2016.

The 2009 protocols on normalization of  Armenian-Turkish relations have not been ratified yet.

The report also indicates the Turkish authorities’ strict and regular reaction to the issue of the recognition of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

The authors of the report have also touched upon the criminal case launched regarding the murder of Armenian reporter Hrant Dink, the obstacles of opening a university department for Armenian language by the Armenian Patriarchate, as well as the activities of Grey Wolves organization spreading hate speeches 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 Cerlik has even called it nonconstructive and biased.