Erdogan: 'Presidential system should not be delayed'

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed Friday the need for a presidential system to see Turkey become among the most developed countries in the world. 

"The presidential system should not be delayed for a new Turkey," Erdogan said, speaking in the northwestern city of Karabuk where he addressed a large gathering.

A new presidential system has become a topical issue in Turkey as parliamentary elections on June 7, 2015, draw nearer. Erdogan has repeatedly expressed his support for such a change. 

He refused claims that a possible presidential system in Turkey might turn the government into a "dictatorship." 

With the presidential system, the country will make more progress concerning rights and freedoms, and will use its energy and time better to achieve its goals, the Turkish president said. 

For decades, the country has been governed under the existing parliamentary system, which Erdogan said is not functioning any more. 

With 400 members of parliament supporting a presidential system and a new constitution, the country will be able to reach its goals quicker, Erdogan said. 

He also spoke about the country's solution process and voiced his determination to continue it.

The Turkish government launched the solution process in 2013 to end the decades-old conflicts with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, in the country's eastern and southeastern regions.

Speaking to those "with arms in their hands," Turkish president said, "There cannot be a solution process with arms around. If you are sincere, lay down your arms."

PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union.