Turkish Presindet Gül to gov’t, opposition: Ignore the judicial bill, reach a consensus

ISTANBUL

Turkish President Abdullah Gül has expressed optimism despite the main opposition refused the government's formula for a constitutional amendment on a key judicial body. AA Photo

Turkey’s ruling and opposition parties could find a solution to an impasse over a government-sponsored judicial bill if the parties wait off on bringing amendments to the General Assembly next week, President Abdullah Gül has said.

The president especially underlined that he had been given a positive impression by the prime minister at a meeting on Jan. 16.

“I believe that on one side the ruling party and on one side the opposition, which are the legitimate legs of democracy, can resolve this matter through a constitutional amendment by coming together. I am still keeping this conviction of mine,” Gül said, while responding to reporters’ questions as he was leaving a mosque in Tarabya after performing Friday prayers.

In response to a question on whether he expected to see a result from his efforts to resolve the controversy over the restructuring of the Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) through a constitutional amendment, Gül said Jan. 16: “Efforts are underway, let’s see. Nice things will happen tomorrow too.”

Earlier this week, Gül took the initiative and held a series of meetings with both Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and opposition leaders in a bid to defuse the row over the judiciary stemming from a damaging corruption scandal.

“The draft in Parliament could be kept back and not sent to the floor of the General Assembly; it may be seen to not exist. The government can take up a very strict position in regards to not bringing the draft to the General Assembly. Then, at least, three parties can come together and figure out if they can produce a constitutional amendment. When they gather, if they arrive at the conviction that they will not be able to do so, then everybody heads their own way,” he said.

Recalling how he was preserving his hope on the issue, Gül said: “I shared my views with Mr. Prime Minister too. Indeed, since I also got a positive response from him, I keep on hoping that nice things may happen.”

Parliament’s Justice Commission approved a ruling party-led set of amendments that will give the government significantly more control over the Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) on late Jan. 16.

The amendments will be debated next week in the General Assembly, which is dominated by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).