The second of the citizen meetings organized by the Constitution Platform, of which TOBB is a part of, was held in Konya. The meeting was attended by the TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Speaker of the Parliament Cemil Çiçek, National Assembly Constitution Negotiation Commission Members, the Constitution Platform, NGO representatives and citizens.

In his speech, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that a new constitution has been needed for years. Stating that all political parties have agreed in regards to the new constitution, “I am hopeful for the implementation of a new constitution, because the will for it is present in the Assembly.”

Stating that they want the new constitution to be focused on the individual, excludes all kinds of discrimination and grants rights that allow access to basic rights and freedoms on the level of universal standards, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We want the same rights as people in developed countries.” Stating that they are on the side of a constitution which preserves the secular, social government with rule of law, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This is why we have formed the Turkey Talks platform. This is a day for unity and solidarity. Of course we all have different opinions. We have conflicting interests but we have to talk. We want Turkey to talk. It is because we don’t talk to each other that we have problems.”

Thanking everyone who contributed in the work so far for the new constitution, Hisarcıklıoğlu requested that everyone contribute to Turkey’s future.

- Speaker of the Parliament Cemil Çiçek

Speaker of the Parliament Cemil Çiçek emphasized in his speech that they have come to listen to the citizens of Konya and their views, saying, “The constitution is at its core the legally organized list of demands of the people from their government.”

“Everyone won’t be doing what they have a mind to from now on. This time, we want to be doing what the people tell us,” said Çiçek and requested that all citizens should relay their views on the new constitution as soon as possible.

- Grand National Assembly Constitution Negotiation Commission Members

Members of the Grand National Assembly Constitution Negotiation Commision AK Party Rep. Mehmet Ali Şahin, CHP Konya Rep. Atilla Kart, MHP Konya Rep. Faruk Bal and BDP Rep. Altan Tan also made speeches regarding the need for a new constitution and the issues that will need to be addressed in the new constituti