Sixth Turkish Ambassadors' Conference starts this week

ANKARA

Failure to draft a new constitution, despite two years of negotiations, is one of the reasons for the "recent conflicts" in domestic Turkish politics, said Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. 

Davutoglu made the comments when addressing Turkish ambassadors at the 6th annual Turkish Ambassadors' Conference on Monday.

A parliamentary committee was tasked with drafting a new constitution to replace the current one that was drafted after a military coup in 1980.

The committee which had been meeting for the last two years was disbanded in November last year after failing to reach an agreement.

Davutoglu stressed the need for a new constitution, as the current one "cannot address needs that come with globalization", said Davutoglu. 

Strongly defending Turkish foreign policy after the Arab spring particularly Turkey's Syrian policy, Davutoglu said "which one befits human dignity; supporting Syrian people massacred with bombs, scud missiles, barrel bombs and chemical weapons or standing with the regime that commits crimes against humanity?" 

Davutoglu said Turkey strongly opposed to July 3 military coup in Egypt that ousted elected President Mohamed Morsi.

Turkey has always been 'determined' and 'sincere' to solve the Cyprus dispute, he emphasized. 

The island of Cyprus has been divided into Greek and Turkish sides since a Greek Cypriot coup was followed by a Turkish peace mission to aid Turkish Cypriots in the north in 1974.

"Turkey is doing its best to accelerate Turkey's EU membership process despite the Cyprus dispute," the minister said. 

Several chapters still remain blocked due to the ongoing Cyprus dispute.

Davutoglu also expressed support for Iran's nuclear deal intended to find a solution to a long standoff over Tehran's nuclear program with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany.

A deal between Iran and six major powers will come into force on January 20.

"Turkey has supported Iran most in its deal with the P5+1 countries in the past four days," he said. "Turkey wants Iran to be integrated into the international system as soon as possible  and we will continue to give any support Iran needs."

First held in  2008, the Ambassadors' Conference focuses on assessing Turkey's foreign policy and international relations, determining future strategies, and coordinating with agencies and organizations which play a role in the implementation of Turkish foreign policy. It is taking place from January 13 to 19.

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