Turkish President Abdullah Gul approves EU road map

Turkish President Abdullah Gul approved the program, prepared by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Turkish news agencies reported.

The plan entitled, The Third National Program, is a blueprint calling for reforms in more than 100 laws to bring them in line with EU standards.

Turkey began membership negotiations in 2005 but has made slow progress.  EU officials have told the AKP government to focus on reforms to speed up the membership process.

Critics say the plan is insufficient in meeting the EU’s demands. Â