The scarf debate, which began with CHP chief Kılıçdaroğlu’s proposal “Let’s present authorized safety to the scarf”, and flared up with President Erdoğan’s “If it is boring, let’s take this matter to a referendum, let the nation determine” is now on the political agenda. President Erdoğan introduced that the constitutional modification proposal for the scarf and household will probably be submitted to the Presidency of the Grand Nationwide Meeting of Turkey within the coming days. The proposal will come to the Normal Meeting of the Parliament after the discussions on the Constitutional Fee. If the a part of the proposal relating to the scarf stays between 360 and 400 votes, the way in which for a referendum will probably be opened. Properly, if this chance occurs, when will the referendum be held? How does the method work?
I requested these two questions that everybody in Ankara questioned about, to the Speaker of the Grand Nationwide Meeting of Turkey, Mustafa Şentop. Right here is his reply: “I will not go into polemics, however usually, if a constitutional modification is to be made, it ought to obtain no less than 360 votes within the Parliament. If it would not exceed 400 then it has to go to a referendum by necessity. If it exceeds 400, it’s not obligatory, however the President can take it to a referendum. Technically, that is the way in which it’s. So it is a political resolution. It’s helpful and necessary to current the opinion of the general public on a topic that has been mentioned in Turkey for years. As a political resolution, it may be stated, ‘Let’s do that too’. The timing subject is clarified throughout the framework of the dates when the proposal is submitted, the dates of the conferences within the fee and the final meeting. As an alternative of doing this earlier than the elections in a referendum course of, perhaps it may be thought of collectively if it will likely be accomplished. I do not assume there’s something unsuitable with it.”
Concrete steps anticipated from Sweden and Finland
In our dialog with the Speaker of the Grand Nationwide Meeting of Turkey Şentop, we additionally talked in regards to the scenario of Sweden and Finland, that are ready for Turkey’s approval to turn out to be NATO members. Şentop, who met with the officers of the 2 nations in Croatia final week, underlines that he reminds his interlocutors that Turkey expects concrete steps and continues: “Each Finland and Sweden connect nice significance to NATO membership. They undoubtedly need to be in NATO. Why are they so keen? As a result of they care about their security. That is why we’re in NATO. We remind them of this and say: ‘Why ought to we glance with indulgence in the direction of nations that help a terrorist group that threatens our safety?’ In September, at their request, we spoke with the heads of parliaments of the 2 nations through videoconference. This time, it looks as if somewhat extra distance has been taken, though not very concrete issues. Particularly the change of presidency in Sweden and the willpower of the brand new prime minister in comparison with the opposite is necessary. They are saying they’ll adjust to the settlement necessities. By the way in which, allow us to emphasize that the NATO membership of those two nations consists of a three-stage course of. A memorandum of understanding was signed on behalf of the federal government, however this alone isn’t sufficient. This has not but come to Parliament. After it arrives, it will likely be voted on first within the fee after which within the basic meeting. Then the President has to signal it once more. In different phrases, the section of signature, approval and approval. Solely one in every of these three has been handed. We’ve got proven our good intentions, and it’s crucial that they take concrete steps that may persuade us.”
Paradigms collapsed
Şentop identified that the establishments main the world, particularly the United Nations, couldn’t discover a resolution to the current meals and power crises and wars: “We’re going by way of a interval by which not solely establishments however paradigms have collapsed. The paradigms put ahead by the victors after the Second World Battle and the buildings they established have now collapsed. When our President stated, ‘The world is larger than 5’, it initially appeared like a fantasy. However at this level, we see that the United Nations itself has initiated a reform, and the President of the US has talked about growing the variety of 5 everlasting members within the Safety Council. The United Nations couldn’t present any presence within the Russia-Ukraine battle. The system is clogged.”
The notion of Turkey overseas is completely different.
“It’s essential to ask those that criticize Turkey’s present scenario: When was the final time you went overseas? Have you ever had political contacts overseas? Have you ever talked to universities and representatives of the general public? You can’t type an goal opinion about Turkey by sitting at dwelling and simply watching tv. The notion of Turkey overseas is at all times completely different. In every single place we go, we see an incredible curiosity and appreciation in the direction of Turkey and our President. This nation has at all times had a higher space of affect and affect than its geographical borders point out. That is what makes us sturdy.”
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