ANKARA
Turkish President Abdullah Gul called Wednesday on the government and the opposition to cooperate in restructuring the top institution that administers the Turkish judiciary.
Cooperation "will not only solve the problem, but also foster a positive atmosphere across Turkey by showing that everything is settled within the democratic system," Gul said.
Gul met Monday with leaders of the political parties represented in the Turkish Parliament to discuss the draft bill stipulating the restructuring of Turkey's Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors.
“I invited the party leaders to help the issue get resolved without bringing damage to democracy,” Gul said.
Asked what he would do if his efforts did not yield results, Gul dismissed the possibility, saying the capabilities of the Turkish democratic and judicial systems should not be underestimated. He said he preferred a constitutional amendment in compliance with European Union criteria.
Turkish politicians are discussing a proposal by ruling AK Party to restructure the Supreme Board and transfer some of its powers to the justice minister. The move came in the aftermath of an anti-graft probe launched on December 17.
The investigation has been described by the government as "a campaign of smear and disinformation" targeting the Turkish government both at home and abroad.
Gul spoke at a joint press conference in Ankara with his Slovenian counterpart, Borut Pahor. He called Slovenia a "friend, ally and strategic partner" for Turkey.
"Slovenia is one of the countries that have given the most genuine support for Turkey's bid to join the EU," Gul said.
He said Turkey's current trade volume with Slovenia is around $1 billion, and could increase significantly.
Pahor said he had been friends with Gul for 20 years and said relations between the two countries are evolving in an environment of mutual trust.
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