ISTANBUL
President Abdullah Gul in answer to press questions on the ongoing debates on the Turkish Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) in recent days said the Turkish Parliament has been trying to actualize a more independent and objective judiciary in the country, adding that Turkey should be occupied with its own agenda as soon as possible.
Gul speaking on HSYK in Istanbul on Friday said, "The ruling and opposition parties told me that there could be a change in the constitution and thereupon I continue efforts on this issue." Gul stated that he believed that both the ruling and opposition parties can solve this issue with a constitutional change.
Gul commented with regards to the recent bill to amend the structure and objectivity of HSYK that both the ruling and opposition parties should convene to break through the deadlock of indecision on how to choose members for the top judicial board to govern judges and prosecutors. The bill proposed by Turkey's ruling AK Party created tension among political parties last week.
Gul said with regard to the HSYK structure, "How can members of it be chosen? That's the point which came to a deadlock. They should convene to solve this situation"
Turkish President Abdullah Gul in order to defuse the tension invited all party leaders on January 13 to hear their views on the latest developments in amending the HSYK and related controversies.
After the meeting with Gul, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said Tuesday that if the parties compromise on a constitutional amendment, they will withdraw the bill.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
