ANKARA
Turkey's EU minister and chief negotiator Egemen Bagis said Monday that Ergenekon, a major coup plot attempting to overthrow the government, was approved officially a terrorist organization.
Bagis said, "We experience a historical day in terms of supremacy of democracy and law", referring to recent verdicts of Turkish court in ‘Ergenekon’ trial.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Bagis stated he believed the prosecution process of Ergenekon was late but a major step for democracy in the country.
The trial was consistent with the determination and will of a country which proceeds in EU membership, he said.
"I believe the prosecution process (of Ergenekon) will contribute to the process of Turkey's EU membership," Bagis added.
An Istanbul high criminal court on Monday announced its verdicts on 275 suspects of the six-year-long Ergenekon trial, who were accused of plotting to depose the Justice and Development (AK) Party government, ruling prison sentences of up to two counts of life imprisonment to some and acquitting 65 others.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
