Turkish president approves constitutional change bill, sets date for referendum

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday approved a constitutional change bill and set the date for a referendum on the issue.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said that a referendum is likely to be held on April 16.

"I hope 'sovereignty will rest unconditionally with the nation' on April 16 when the referendum will be held," the state owned Anadolu news agency quoted Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus, as saying.

He said the Turkish people would express their opinion in the referendum by voting Yes or No.

Kurtulmus expressed his hope that this election campaign will continue in line with the mature democracy of Turkey.

Turkish parliament this year in January passed the 18-article bill with 339 votes in favor which was nine more than the required number to put the proposals to a referendum.

The proposal would boost executive powers of the president if it is passed.