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Hollande takes note of Turkish referendum, calls for dialogue

Xinhua, April 17, 2017 Adjust font size:

French President Francois Hollande on Monday said he took note of the initial results of the Turkish referendum on expanding presidential powers, and called for "free, sincere dialogue" with Turkey's different political actors.

"It's up to the Turks and them alone to decide on how they organize their political institutions, but the published results show that Turkish society is divided about the planned deep reforms," Hollande said in a press release issued by his office.

"The values and commitments made within the framework of the Council of Europe should lead Turkish authorities to conduct a free and sincere dialogue with all the components of political and social life," he added.

The French head of state also called on Turkey to respect the European Convention on Human Rights and its ban on death penalty.

French Foreign Minister Jean Marc Ayrault, in a separate statement, noted the "yes" vote in Turkey showed that a dialogue with the opposition was "more than necessary."

Ayrault asked officials in Ankara to shape their new governing way "in line with the values and commitments made within the Council of Europe, including respect for pluralism, separation of powers and the rule of law."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared victory in the constitutional reform referendum that will give him sweeping powers, amid an outcry from the opposition that the voting was rigged.

According to media reports, about 51.35 percent backed the constitutional changes, compared to 48.65 percent for "no". Final results will be announced in 11 to 12 days. Endit