IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS OF LAST WEEK

Constitutional Court's cancellation of the law that requires civilian courts to try members of the military in peacetime was one of the hottest topics of last week. Many civilian courts including the Ergenekon court that involves military members are expected to declare disability to judge. In this case in order civil courts to be responsible of the trials again 145th item of the Constitution needs to be changed. AKP Group Deputy Leader Bekir Bozdağ reacted to the Constitutional Court decision and said "The Court's decision is contradicting with 145th item of the Constitution. It is more a political decision than a legal decision." The Justice and Development Party (AKP) Government seems to have decided to push for a comprehensive constitutional reform package.

The government showed that they are ready to take a referendum risk by sending a constitution change draft to the Parliament that suggests shortening referendum period to 45 days. The draft was discussed at the Parliament's specialist commission very speedily and the referendum period was accepted as 60 days with the feedback from Higher Election Council. Fast processing of the draft is seen as an indicator of the government's determination to change the constitution. It is now said that AKP will initially try to agree with the opposition parties to change the 145th item of the constitution and take the issue to referendum if no consensus is reached with opposition.

Last week tension was again raised with Taraf daily newspapers claims regarding the secret military coup plans to get rid of the AKP government. General Staff made an announcement and stated that a sane and conscientious person is not able to accept these claims. During the speech General Staff Commander Başbuğ made yesterday, he very aggressively rejected the military coup plan claims. About the claims, Prime Minister Erdoğan said "Ones who see themselves above the Parliament are clearly mistaken. Do not forget that you may not have the power tomorrow. Think of how you will be judged by the nation after you loose power. This is true for all of us". TOBB Chairman Rifat Hisacıklıoğlu who is said to be the future Prime Minister after the coup made a statement and said that he considers a military coup as treason felony and that the dirt fling on him will not cling on him.

Last week important messages were delivered from TUSİAD where Ümit Boyner was elected chairperson. Boyner said "There is not only current account deficit or deficit in employment in Turkey. There is deficit of democracy. Instead of solving our problems together we mistrust everyone and everything. We do not talk we shout. We do not listen we are being bugged. We produce conspiracy theories instead of facing realities." TUSİAD Advisory Council President Mustafa Koç said "Our criterion for being effective is not our closeness to the government."