ISTANBUL (AP) - The European Union's top officials have responded cautiously to the outcome of Turkey's constitutional referendum and are calling on the government to seek a broad consensus as changes to the country's system of government are implemented.
EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said in a joint statement late Sunday that they "take note of the reported results" indicating the referendum expanding the presidency's powers was approved.
They noted that they are awaiting a report from international election observers on the vote and alleged irregularities.
The three say the constitutional amendments and their enactment "will be assessed in light of Turkey's obligations as a European Union candidate country and as a member of the Council of Europe."
The EU leaders said: "In view of the close referendum result and the far-reaching implications of the constitutional amendments, we also call on the Turkish authorities to seek the broadest possible national consensus in their implementation."
Photo source credit: flickr - Nezih Durmazlar under CC 2.0