Turkey’s charter commission agrees on ‘republic’ clause, further consensus not found

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

The Constitution Conciliation Commission has agreed to keep unchanged the first article of the current Constitution, which defines the form of the state as a “republic.” DAILY NEWS photo / Selahattin SÖNMEZ

The Constitution Conciliation Commission has agreed to keep unchanged the first article of the current Constitution, which defines the form of the state as a “republic,” though parties have been unable to reach a consensus over the second article, in which the characteristics of the republic are detailed.

There is no divergence of opinion on the basic characteristics mentioned in the second article that the republic is a democratic, secular and social state. However, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) have reservations about the supporting clauses, AKP Ankara deputy Ahmet İyimaya said after the Commission’s Aug. 26 meeting.

The current second article faces opposition as it postulates the Republic of Turkey to be “loyal to Atatürk nationalism.”

The Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) had earlier expressed its opposition to the emphasis on “Atatürk nationalism” in the article, which BDP deputy Bengi Yıldız says excludes Kurds.

The Commission shelved the second article for a future meeting after a 6.5-hour-long discussion.

The parties could not find a consensus during previous sessions either, as deep divisions between the four parties were once more highlighted on the first three “irrevocable” articles of the Constitution, and the fourth article which declares these “irrevocable.”

Members of the Commission will meet again at 11 a.m. on Aug. 27 to discuss the third article, which refers to the integrity of the state and the official language.