news.am, Armenia
Sept 11 2010
Turkey's constitutional reforms pursue political aims
September 11, 2010 | 18:22
By implementing constitutional reforms, the Turkish authorities first
and foremost pursue political aims rather than reforms as such, Ruben
Safrastyan, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies told
NEWS.am.
According top him, the Turkish authorities are thus trying to extend
their influence over the country's judicial system. As regards reforms
proper, they are not so substantial. `The adoption of the document
will not change anything in the Turkey-EU relations. The EU has stated
it welcomes the document, but considers it insufficient,' he said.
Safrastyan pointed out that the document provides for certain reforms
in the country's legal system - more rights to employees and gender
equality.
`However, whatever the referendum results, the political situation
will be worsening in Turkey. The struggle between the incumbent
authorities and Kemalists will be getting fierce as the elections draw
near. Most of the country's political forces will go on demanding
early parliamentary elections.
As regard the possibility of the document being adopted, the expert
pointed out that the number of proponents is increasing as the
referendum draws near - this being due to Turkish Premier Recep
Erdogan's charisma.
Safrastyan stressed that the document will not in any way influence
Ankara's policy toward Yerevan nor will it contribute to the admission
of the Armenian Genocide, on which some opposition political forces
insist.
A constitutional referendum is to be held in Turkey on September 12.
From: A. Papazian
Sept 11 2010
Turkey's constitutional reforms pursue political aims
September 11, 2010 | 18:22
By implementing constitutional reforms, the Turkish authorities first
and foremost pursue political aims rather than reforms as such, Ruben
Safrastyan, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies told
NEWS.am.
According top him, the Turkish authorities are thus trying to extend
their influence over the country's judicial system. As regards reforms
proper, they are not so substantial. `The adoption of the document
will not change anything in the Turkey-EU relations. The EU has stated
it welcomes the document, but considers it insufficient,' he said.
Safrastyan pointed out that the document provides for certain reforms
in the country's legal system - more rights to employees and gender
equality.
`However, whatever the referendum results, the political situation
will be worsening in Turkey. The struggle between the incumbent
authorities and Kemalists will be getting fierce as the elections draw
near. Most of the country's political forces will go on demanding
early parliamentary elections.
As regard the possibility of the document being adopted, the expert
pointed out that the number of proponents is increasing as the
referendum draws near - this being due to Turkish Premier Recep
Erdogan's charisma.
Safrastyan stressed that the document will not in any way influence
Ankara's policy toward Yerevan nor will it contribute to the admission
of the Armenian Genocide, on which some opposition political forces
insist.
A constitutional referendum is to be held in Turkey on September 12.
From: A. Papazian