Turkish PM vows ‘advanced democracy’ with new constitution in New Year message
ANKARA – Anadolu Agency
AP photo
Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has expressed hope for a better future for Turkey in 2016, saying his government is working toward a new constitution that will bring “advanced democracy” to the country.“We will hopefully crown our success - which has been continuing since 2002 - with a new constitution,” Davutoğlu stated in a New Year message issued late on Dec. 31.
“The new constitution that we will prepare … will duly guide Turkey toward the standards of an advanced democracy. It will be a political contract that every citizen will be proud of and embrace,” he added.
The current constitution was drafted in 1982 following the Sept. 12, 1980 military takeover and has undergone several amendments since.
Davutoğlu also promised progress in Turkey’s European Union accession bid, linking the country’s efforts to become an EU member to Ankara’s “democratic vision.”
On Dec. 14, the European Union opened a new chapter on economic policy in Turkey’s ongoing accession talks, bringing the country a step closer to full membership of the 28-nation bloc.
Chapter 17, which aims at bringing Turkey in line with EU’s economic and monetary policy and guaranteeing independence of the Central Bank, is the first chapter to be opened in two years and raises the total number of chapters opened so far to 15 out of 35.
Prime Minister Davutoğlu also said “efforts will continue to bring more democracy, justice and peace” in 2016.
