Turkey's military sketches plan for new civilian rule

Turkey's military regime outlined its plans for eventually returning the country to civilian rule. A junta spokesman, Haydar Saltik, said that when conditions allow, a constituent assembly will be formed to draft a new constitution, which will be voted upon in a national referendum. The assembly also will adopt new laws on political activities that, after a "suitable period, " will allow new political parties to be formed. The final stage will be the "complete return to normal democratic political life through the termination of the functions and existence of the National Security Council and the constitutional assembly."

Turkey's military leaders seized power Sept. 12 as the country teetered on the edge of civil war. Mr. Saltik repeated the generals' contention that the coup was necessary to keep Turkey from falling apart and to reestablish the virtually nonexistent authority of the state.