ANKARA
If Turkey's political parties can reach a consensus about changing the country's constitution then the government will abide by it, according to Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag.
He noted, however, that if a consensus is not reached on the proposed bill to amend the structure of Turkey's judiciary, then the bill will be enacted before parliamentary recess ahead of local elections.
The legal package to restructure Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HYSK) was approved for discussion by parliament, by a parliamentary commission, on January 16.
If passed by the parliament, the bill, which must be sumitted to President Abdullah Gul for ratification, will transfer some of the powers of the HSYK to its chair - Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag.
The AK Party had earlier sought a partnership with opposition parties for the proposed constitutional amendment, that would allow for a change to the HSYK. The plan fell by the wayside after the two largest opposition parties - CHP and MHP - rejected AK Party's offer.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
