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SV ZOOM IN TO SCU Turkish military leader General Kenan Evren checking papers on table.
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SV Evren speaking.
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Background: Turkey's military head of state, General Kenan Evren, has launched an intensive campaign aimed at ensuring popular acceptance of a controversial new constitution which would give him huge personal powers. In a 45-minute broadcast on state radio and television, General Evren said the proposed constitution was meant to prevent more military coups. He attacked critics of the constitution and said he would personally guarantee it. The constitution will be put to a national referendum on November 7. It provides for General Evren to become president for seven years with wide powers to override parliament he repeatedly reminded Turks of the widespread political violence in the country under the previous constitution, when up to 25 people were dying daily before the military took over in September 1980. General Evren will make a 10-day nationwide tour in support of the constitution. The constitution has been strongly attacked by newspapers, politicians, academics, trade unionists and others since it was first drafted by a specially appointed committee earlier this year. These groups charge that it puts the military in power, places no trust in parliament and is potentially repressive.