[JURIST] In a document to be released later this month, the European Commission [official website] will set forth nearly 150 requirements, all of which must met by Turkey within two years, in order for the Mediterranean nation to be accepted into the European Union [official website], the Financial Times reported Tuesday. Chief among the document's requirements will be a mandate to end Turkey's practice of torture, establish freedom of religion and assert civilian control over the military. The Commission will also call on Turkey [EU/Turkey relations backgrounder] to move towards normalization of relations and negotiations with Cyprus [CIA Factbook]. Presently, Turkey does not officially recognize the divided island's government. Turkey's bid for EU membership is a culmination of a more than 40-year effort [Turkish MOFA backgrounder] by Turkish diplomacy to begin the integration process. The Financial Times has more.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase…

• Chirac says Turkey must make major changes for EU membership
• Turkey EU bid threatened by abuse allegations
• Revised Turkish penal code comes into force as part of EU deal
• EU warns Turkey not to recriminalize adultery
• EU sets date for start of talks with Turkey, but Cyprus wrangling looms