Erdogan: Turkey is one nation, one state

ANKARA, Turkey (K24) – On Thursday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted his country's unity and condemned pro-Kurdish politicians' demand for autonomy.

"We will make life unbearable for those who are trying to establish a state within the state under the pretext of autonomy," said Erdogan in a meeting held in Ankara to discuss a new Turkish constitution.

Dozens of pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DBP) municipalities have declared autonomy since the peace talks and a ceasefire between the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Turkish government collapsed in summer 2015. The declarations have led to legal investigations, arrests, and trials of tens of mayors.

"At a time when we are saying one nation, one flag, one homeland, and one state, those who [talk of] division and break the country apart have malicious intentions," continued Erdogan.

Turkish president also reiterated his interest in introducing an executive presidential system in Turkey that would empower his position.

"It is pretty difficult to go ahead...with an elected president and elected prime minister," said Erdogan.

Turkish Presidency is constitutionally largely ceremonial.

The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)–the third largest bloc in the Turkish Parliament–has vowed to stand against empowering the president.

Speaking of a new constitution, Erdogan claimed that all the constitutions Turkey has had were "imported and not national."

Since its foundation, the Republic of Turkey has had the four constitutions of 1921, 1924, 1961, and the current Constitution of 1982.

Erdogan said not having a new constitution was "the nation's issue" and called for the country's unity.

Editing by Ava Homa
(Nevin Diri contributed to this report from Ankara)