In a written statement issued on Monday, President Abdullah Gul said he was closely monitoring the recent legal and political debates.
“It is the task of all people and institutions to act in line with customs and traditions and to prevent the debates in question to reach a point that may damage fundamental principles of the Constitution, Turkey’s national interests and esteem, national unity and integrity, as well as economic and political stability,” Gul said.
While it was normal in all democracies that every segment of society to discuss every matter directly affecting the nation and the world, the common sense of public will finally determine the validity of the views in question, he said.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government and the judiciary have been increasingly at loggerheads of late, with the Supreme Court of Appeals issuing a statement last week alleging the court was being placed under political pressure and that the government was trying to gain control of the judicial system by imposing an executive body to oversee the judiciary.
The government has angrily denied the suggestions and responded by saying the courts do not have the authority to make political statements.
Gul also announced that he is to meet the chairman of the Supreme Court late Monday afternoon to discuss the current stand off.
