Gul addresses parliemanet, asks for new constitution

Delivering the inauguration address at the Parliament on the occasion of the 24th term and the third legislative year, President Abdullah Gul shared his views on several important issues ranging from the work on preparing a new constitution, foreign policy, recent developments in the region, the fight against terrorism, importance of the rule of law and economy. Gul declared that as the world experiences fundamental changes and massive upheavals economically, socially and politically, the Parliament was the most outstanding institution upon which the Turkish people rely. Gul said that the most important item on Turkey's national agenda was the making of a new constitution. He said that the text that will emerge must include common views upon which there is agreement to the greatest extent possible, adding that a new citizenship contract must be enacted through a freedom-based constitution that guarantees rights and freedoms for all and does not exclude anyone. Gul also called on Parliament to work on EU-oriented reforms in line with the country's membership talks, saying that although the process has slowed down due mostly to reasons that have to do with the other party, we must continue to do what we must and be determined to take the right steps in line with the acquis. "I expect the honorable Parliament to once again give priority to EU Harmonization laws and reforms and to translate them into concrete progress for all citizens," Gul added. Touching on terrorism, Gul said that the fight would continue with the same determination and perseverance, in line with the rule of law and the fundamental principles of democracy. The president pointed out that the nation must maintain the moral high ground and legitimacy before the law, both nationally and internationally, while fighting against terror. "Our democracy is the biggest safeguard of this legitimacy. In fact, democracy is the real target of terror," Gul said, adding that the Parliament is the most important place "to solve all the problems" the nation faced. Stressing that everyone has the freedom to freely express their views in Turkey, Gul said, "If there are shortcomings or wrong practices or instances that harm our democracy, then these must all be removed without delay." Gul also touched on foreign policy issues, including Syria. "How can a country consume itself like this? But that is what Syria is doing today. We do not want Syria to consume itself. Our preference is on the side of a strong Syria, a country in which its people are happy and content," he noted. Gul acknowledged that Turkey tried its best to ensure that the Syrian regime adopted reforms without success. He appealed from the floor of Parliament to the international community to stop the bloodshed in Syria, describing it as "our joint responsibility." "Recent history has shown how such events turn into outright massacres when the international community fails to carry out its duty," Gul added. Touching on economy, Gul said, "Our goal should be to achieve high growth without a current account deficit and without distorting price stability and financial stability," adding, "It should not be forgotten that fiscal and monetary discipline are the important reasons behind the economic achievements so far. It should be remembered that any slackening in this area will lead to irreparable damage. Additionally, we must pay a lot of attention to our priorities in public spending at this critical time."