Monday, April 19, 2010

Turkish parliament debates constitutional change

"Turkish parliament debates constitutional change

Turkey's parliament began debating Monday a series of amendments to the Constitution that are fiercely contested by opposition parties who say the Islamic-oriented government's proposals are aimed at diluting the powers of secular opponents within the judiciary.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government says the reforms to the Constitution _ a legacy of the 1980 military coup __ would make Turkey more democratic and strengthen its bid to join the European Union."

More:Turkish parliament debates constitutional change - Taiwan News Online