European parliament calls for a civil constitution in Turkey

BRUSSELS (A.A) - March 1, 2012 - The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) called for a civil constitution in Turkey. A draft report by European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey Ria Oomen-Ruijten was approved with 54 votes against seven at the AFET on Thursday. Works on civil constitution in Turkey have been fully supported in amendments which were also approved in the committee. The draft report said that all political parties and relevant parties should assist the process of new constitution talks and assume a constructive attitude over the matter. The draft report also said that Turkey, as a regional actor, was playing a key role in the Middle East, West Balkans, South Caucasus, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asia and Horn of Africa. "Turkey and the EU are interdependent. The EU profits from the booming Turkish economy. But Turkey and the EU can both profit by enhancing their cooperation in fields like foreign policy, energy security and the fight against terrorism. Turkey has proved that it is able to play a positive role in a turbulent region," said Ria Oomen-Ruijten.