After the referendum result was announced in Turkey, Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle issued the following statement today (12 September):

“I welcome today’s outcome. The constitutional reform is a further major step on Turkey’s road to Europe.

The reform package has been the subject of intensive debate in Turkey. This discussion within Turkish society, also on exactly how to achieve a balance of power in the country, is something I warmly applaud, and I’m sure it is not yet over.

I’m confident that the reform process in Turkey will lead to a further opening of its society.”