PM Yildirim hails Turkish women's anti-coup stance

By Efsun Yilmaz and Esber Ayaydin

IZMIR, Turkey

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Wednesday praised Turkish women's role in defeating the July 15 coup attempt.

Speaking at a rally as part of April 16 constitutional referendum campaign in Turkey's western Izmir province, the premier said women were the first to take to the streets to defend the country and democracy.

"Dear ladies! When our president [Recep Tayyip Erdogan] called on [Turkish] people to go outside on the streets on July 15, it was you who first ran outside in an effort to defend the country against this vile FETO terrorist organization, and to save the democracy."

Yildirim said half of the people on the streets that night were women.

"Therefore, we are proud of you. We have utmost confidence in you. April 16 will be your victory," he said.

The July 15 defeated coup, led by U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen and his terrorist group – the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) – left at least 249 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

The constitutional changes have been discussed since Erdogan was voted president in August 2014. The 18-article bill was passed by parliament in January, with 339 votes in favor -- nine more than needed to put the proposal to a referendum.

The reforms would hand wide-ranging executive powers to the president and the post of prime minister would be abolished. The president would also be allowed to retain ties to a political party.

Other changes would see the minimum age for parliamentary candidates reduced to 18 and the number of deputies rise to 600. Simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections for a five-year term would be held in November 2019 under the new constitution.