Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland, called onTurkey to respect the European Convention of Human Rights during any possible next steps to follow the outcome of the Turkish constitutional referendum. In a written statement issued Sunday Secretary Jagland also says the Councils of Europe stands ready to support the country in the process.

”The Turkish electorate has voted on the amendments to the Constitution. In view of the close result the Turkish leadership should consider the next steps carefully”, Secretary General said , pointing out that ”it is of utmost importance to secure the independence of the judiciary in line with the principle of rule of law enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights. The Council of Europe, of which Turkey is a full member, stands ready to support the country in this process”.