UPDATE - No change to constitution's basic articles: Turkish PM

By Ilkay Guder and Ismail Cimen

UPDATES WITH MORE QUOTES FROM YILDIRIM

ANKARA (AA) – Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Saturday has ruled out any possible change to Turkish constitution’s first four articles, which set forth the essentials of the Republic.

“So, we have not proposed [such a change]; nor we would have anything to do with those who want to [change] it. This is loud and clear. These [articles] form the foundation of the Republic of Turkey, and are indispensable for the state,” Yildirim told reporters in Turkish parliament.

The first three articles of Turkish constitution lay out the basic principles of the country, saying the form of the "State being a Republic, as a democratic, secular and social state governed by rule of law, with Turkish as its language and Ankara as its capital. The fourth article guarantees that the first three are irrevocable.

Turkish lawmakers currently are voting a historic 18-article constitutional reform package in the parliament, with the first 13 of them already adopted as of Saturday night.

Among the articles that Turkish lawmakers passed so far are regulations for job definition and responsibilities of the parliament -- one of the most discussed items -- and regulating criminal liabilities for the president and top officials as well as election regulations.


- Cyprus talks in Geneva

On a question about criticism over his absence at the UN-hosted Geneva talks to reunite Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides of the long-divided Mediterranean island, Yildirim said: “There is no need for us to go. Negotiations on Cyprus have been going on for many years.”

Yildirim said that Turkey had “red lines” on Cyprus and its conditions were certain.

Turkey's guarantee to ensure security in Cyprus can be abandoned or abolished under no circumstances, Yildirim added.

“If a bi-communal state will be established, the sharing of administration in this state should be fair,” Yildirim said.

On land and property issues, it was out of question for the Turkish Cypriot side to lose their vested rights, Yildirim said.

On Friday, Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci said the map submitted by Greek Cypriots to the UN was unacceptable and the Turkish Cypriots would not sign anything that would not include rotating presidency.

Akinci added that the Turkish Cypriots have been willing to see the continuation of security and guarantees provided by Turkey.

Earlier this week, Turkish and Greek Cypriots leaders as well as foreign ministers of three guarantor countries -- Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom -- joined an international conference on possible reunification of Cyprus.

Turkish premier said: “In short, a partnership and common state that will be formed should be one to make both sides happy and pleased. After all these, Turkey’s effective guarantee and safety precautions should continue the same way.”