Turkey's PM says open to compromise over reforms

Turkish premier has said his government would submit planned constitutional amendments to referendum if opposition parties failed to extend support to the package.

"We have no prejudices, no preconditions. We will wait until the weekend for them to extend support and to make their contributions. If they don't, we will submit [the amendments] to the parliament and put on popular vote," Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a ceremony in the Turkish capital, Ankara. "Our doors are wide open for reconciliation for those who have any proposals or criticisms," Erdogan said.

The Turkish premier said the proposed amendments package aimed at making Turkey stronger and more democratic, adding that all segments of the society agreed that Turkey needed a new constitution.

"Everyone is complaining about the constitution. Everyone wants to have it amended. And here is the opportunity and the time for change," Erdogan said.

Erdogan accused those who oppose to the proposed amendments of "trying to protect their own privileges."

"There is no room for personal interest or expectations in this draft package. And those who try to protect their own seats and positions need to quit involving their own interests in this process," Erdogan said.


/World Bulletin/