Turkey abolishes death penalty
The Nationalist Movement Party voted against. Turkey has not executed anyone since 1984
ANKARA, Turkey, August 2 - Turkish parliament voted Friday to include the abolition of the death penalty in a reform package meant to enhance the country's chances of joining the European Union The proposed measure would replace the death penalty with life imprisonment, although capital punishment would remain on the books for use in war or during the threat of war. Parliament is expected to vote on the full reform package Saturday.

One condition for joining the EU is not having a death penalty.

The Nationalist Movement Party, the largest in parliament, voted against having the death-penalty proposal included in the reform package. The party wants the death sentence imposed on captured Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan, whose forces have fought a 15-year war for autonomy in southeastern Turkey. The party draws strong support from families of soldiers who fought against the rebels. Nationalist legislators accused those advocating the reforms of scheming to save Ocalan.

"The families of the martyrs are watching these proceedings very closely," nationalist legislator Mehmet Gul said. "They await the decision you will take here with tears in their eyes." But other parties said reform is crucial for Turkey to join the EU. "We will vote 'yes' to stop the terrorist leader from jeopardizing Turkey's future," center-right deputy Mehmet Saglam said, referring to Ocalan.

Turkey has not executed anyone since 1984, although courts regularly impose death sentences -- 50 people now are on death row. "We are happy that the death penalty is being lifted in Turkey," Prime Minister Ecevit said. "It is important that the EU's door open up for Turkey." The EU will meet in December to discuss enlarging its membership.

The 15 member nations also could set a date for Turkey's entry talks. The reform discussions follow parliament's overwhelming vote to hold early elections Nov. 3, shortening the term of Ecevit's troubled coalition government. Coalition members were bickering over, among other things, EU reforms.