CHP Not To Attend Debates To Be Held By 'Basic Law Method'

ANKARA - Main opposition Republican People`s Party (CHP) group decided not to take part in debates which will be held by `basic law method` at Turkish Parliament`s general assembly.
In an extraordinary meeting chaired by CHP deputy leader Haluk Koc, CHP party group assessed the amendment on article No. 91 of Parliamentary by-law. Through the amendment, several drafts and proposals can be discussed as `basic laws`. CHP group will not attend General Assembly meetings that will be held through this method.
Koc told reporters, ``(governmental) Justice & Development Party (AKP) previously closed the road to proposals regarding the issues to be discussed as basic laws. Thus, it prevented the opposition party to submit proposals.``
``However, we will actively take part in talks in commissions,`` he added.
The amendment which was made in the bylaw of Turkish Parliament that Mr. Koc referred, was published in the Official Gazette today.
According to the amendment, several drafts and proposals could be discussed (at the parliament`s general assembly) as `blocks` or `basic laws`. These `blocks` (of drafts and proposals) will comprise maximum 30 articles. Upon proposals by government, ad hoc commission or party groups, the general assembly will decide which articles will be included in the `blocks`. Thus, each `block` will be discussed and voted separately --without reading articles. Deputies, government or adhoc commission can also submit amendments.