Abant Platfrom made its 23rd gathering titled “New Term, New Constitution” on April 30th -May 1st.

At the gathering, basic philosophy of the new constitution, the process of negotiation, the problems of the Turkish political system, and the constitutional experiences in the world are dealt with.

The following points have been announced to the public with the hope of opening gateways in the pursuit for a new constitution.

1. It is mendatory for Turkey to immediately get rid of the 1982 constitution which is drafted by the military generals.

2. The new constitution must primarily make it possible for the state to be organized in a democratic and plural way.

3. The content of the new constitution must not be one that is defining or limiting the human rights and freedoms; it must be one that is recognizing and securing them.

4. Basic human rights and freedoms must be the focus of the new constitution. Discussions of the systems of democracy (presidential, semi-presidential, or parliamentary) must not cause a delay in dealing with more basic issues.

5. Civic initiatives in the process of drafting a new constitution must be honored, respected and involved in the negotiation process.