National Security Council to convene to extend state of emergency after key polls

ANKARA

The National Security Council (MGK) will convene late on April 17 amid speculation that it will extend a state of emergency by another three months following a referendum that narrowly accorded the president vast new powers.

The MGK meeting will convene at the Presidential Complex under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The president will then chair a cabinet meeting late on April 17.

Speaking to Turkish broadcaster A Haber, Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli said the extension would be discussed by the national security council which would present its recommendation to a cabinet meeting due to be chaired by President Tayyip Erdogan at his presidential palace in Ankara on April 17.
    
Canikli also said legal changes introduced in referendum on replacing Turkey's parliamentary system with an executive presidency could be completed with a year. 
 
The lowering of the 10 percent threshold for political parties to enter parliament would also be discussed, he said.
    
Economic relations with the European Union, which Turkey  aspires to join, will also improve, Canikli said, adding that current rhetoric between Turkey and the bloc was temporary and should not given too much attention.
Turkey has already been under a state of emergency for nine consecutive months after a coup attempt on July 15, 2016. A cabinet decision is required to extend the state of emergency, which will take effect after being published in the Official Gazette.

The MGK was expected to convene in May.