Turkish PM confirms Istanbul nightclub attacker is captured

Turkish Prime Minister Binalı Yıldırım confirmed on Tuesday that the gunman responsible for the mass shooting at Istanbul's Reina nightclub on New Year's Eve was captured.

“The terrorist responsible for the New Year's Eve attack was arrested in a police operation overnight. The investigation is still underway, so no further details will be released yet. Details will be shared in due time. It is important for us to determine the forces behind the attack,” said Prime Minister Yıldırım.

Prime Minister Yıldırım also discussed the upcoming elections and proposed constitutional reform package.

“The elections will occur as planned in 2019,” said Prime Minister Yıldırım.

The final article of the constitutional reform package, which regulates parliamentary and presidential elections, was adopted by Turkish lawmakers. The second round of voting is scheduled to take place on January 18.

The passed regulations define and lay out parliament's responsibilities, one of the most discussed items, and the regulation of criminal liabilities for the president and top officials, as well as structural reforms to the nation's highest judicial body.

“Monday's economy meeting discussed what has to be done next. The Central Bank is independent, and it is wrong to say what it will do. The Central Bank will not hesitate to do what is necessary,” said Prime Minister Yıldırım.

The Central Bank of Turkey has not hesitated to take action in response to the Turkish lira's volatility. The bank cut borrowing limits of banks in the Interbank Money market, and said it may also limit funding made in the repo markets within Borsa Istanbul.