AKP's Firat: "Consensus will be sought on changes to make party closures harder"

A top official of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) said yesterday pledged to seek a political consensus on proposed constitutional changes to make closing political parties more difficult. Speaking to reporters after a six-hour meeting of top AKP members chaired by Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, AKP Deputy Chair Dengir Mir Mehmet Firat said that working groups would be set up to deal with the court case seeking to close the party. Saying that the AKP would prepare its defense in line with procedures and the law, Firat added that in the end, Turkey's legislative system, democracy, political and economic stability, and people would all benefit. European Union Commission head Jose Manuel Barosso and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn are due to arrive in Turkey on Thursday for a visit at a time of rising political tension due to the case seeking the closure of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). The closure case and democratic reform efforts, especially proposals to change controversial Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), are expected to dominate Barosso and Rehn's talks with President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal, and representatives of other parties and non-governmental organizations. In related news, Barosso yesterday said Turkey must convince the EU of its willingness and readiness to join the bloc and that Turkey will be able to join if it meets all the required membership criteria.