Erdogan: "We want to draft constitution of 2023"

Speaking at a gathering of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM) in Ankara, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday his government wanted to draft a constitution to be in line with its goals for 2023, not coup-era constitutions like the 1982 Constitution or the 1961 Constitution. "Turkey still has a serious problem regarding its constitution. As a nation, we are aware of this problem. We cannot achieve our goals for 2023 with the current constitution. This constitution unfortunately does not live up to Turkey's vision and goals … We want to draft the constitution of 2023 not 1961 or 1982. We will do our best to achieve this." Touching upon Turkey's vision of 2023 with regard to economy, Erdogan said that if Turkey provided a four-fold rise in its exports in 11 years, it would be able to increase its amount of export above $500 billion. Competition in world markets had become even more robust following the three fold increase in exports in nine years, said Erdogan, adding, "We have to find new channels, new methods, and new opportunities."  Stating that the world, as well as the developing technologies should be followed, Erdogan said that Turkey should continue updating itself, opening abroad and expanding its coverage area.