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Former analyst of Turkish intelligence: Islamization of Turkey is impossible

Politics Materials 13 September 2010 19:34 (UTC +04:00)
A strengthening Islamic sentiment in the Turkish government after constitutional amendments passed by referendum on Sunday seems highly unlikely, a former analyst of the Turkish intelligence, Mahir Kaynak, said.
Former analyst of Turkish intelligence: Islamization of Turkey is impossible

Azerbaijan, Baku, September 13 /Trend, U.Sadikhova/

A strengthening Islamic sentiment in the Turkish government after constitutional amendments passed by referendum on Sunday seems highly unlikely, a former analyst of the Turkish intelligence, Mahir Kaynak, said.

"The referendum was held in Turkey not for Islamization, but for the democratization of Turkey," Kaynak told Trend in a telephone interview Monday. "It is therefore impossible to say that the Turkish government will pursue pro-Islamic policy."

Sunday's referendum saw 58 percent of Turks voting for the constitutional changes proposed by the ruling Justice and Development Party, while 41.98 percent voted against.

Overall voter turnout was put at 77.55 percent, which was particularly active in areas densely populated by the Kurdish minority.

Kaynak believes that the conditions for a strengthening religious views do not exist in Turkey.

"Unlike some Arab countries and Iran, Turkey has not created favorable conditions for a pro-Islamic policy," he added.


Kaynak considers the referendum as a step forward in the development of freedom of speech in Turkey.

"The constitutional changes are a big push for the democratization of the country and are not aimed at weakening the role of the army," he said.

The referendum includes 26 amendments to the Turkish Constitution, which was ratified in 1982 following a military coup in 1980. They relate to reforming the justice system, particularly the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors, provide for the possibility of instituting criminal proceedings against the military in civilian courts, and confer authority for filing a case for the dissolution of political parties from the Court of Appeals to parliament. The constitutional reform also institutes the office of Ombudsman.

Kaynak believes the previous military coups in Turkey, which led to the replacement of the government, occurred with external financial support and the support of interested local businessmen.

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