Turkish PM appeals to opposition leaders for talks on new constitution before year's end

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu has asked for an appointment from opposition party leaders in order to discuss a number of issues, including the drafting of a new constitution.

Only the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has responded affirmatively to the request so far, with ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Davuto?lu and CHP leader Kemal K?l?çdaro?lu set to hold a meeting on Dec. 30, state-run Anadolu Agency reported late Dec. 22. 

Davuto?lu's request was conveyed separately to the leaders of all opposition parties that are being represented in parliament in line with results of the Nov. 1 snap election results.

Accordingly, Davuto?lu planned to hold meetings with both Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-leader Selahattin Demirta? and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli on Dec. 30 as well. However, no exact date has yet been set for those meetings. 

Convinced that a new constitution should be drafted with the efforts of "all lawmakers representing the nation," Davuto?lu is eager to hold the meetings with opposition leaders before the end of 2015, sources told Anadolu Agency.

In the Nov. 1 snap elections, the AKP secured 317 seats in the 550-member parliament. For a constitutional change in parliament, the AKP needed to win 367 seats, though 330 seats would be enough to take the issue to a referendum.

Through the redrafting of the constitution, the AKP hopes to change the country's administrative system into an executive presidential system, though all opposition parties are fiercely opposed to the move.

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