Don’t expect serious steps from Turkey, says expert

In result of the September 12 Referendum on changes to Turkey’s Constitution the key law of this country became more democratic, told media at the news conference Tuesday a turkologist Artak Shaqarian. 

“Under the previous Constitution, the police could impose ban on travels abroad, while today if a certain person isn’t accused of any crime and isn’t under trial, then he can travel freely,” said Artak Shaqarian. He added that among changes are those to the Constitutional Court whose 11-member staff has been changed towards a 17-member one which is to be appointed by parliament and president of the country.

The new Constitution, according to expert, ensures freedom of rallies for Turkish officials and first-ever in Turkey’s history it introduces the Ombudsman’s office.

Referring to the Armenian-Turkish relations in light of constitutional reforms of Turkey, expert said that as both Armenia and Turkey will soon hold parliamentary elections then one shouldn’t expect any serious steps from Turkey. “However, since 2013 the Armenia-Turkey documents will either re-put on the agenda, or the process will enter a new stage,” said Shaqarian.