Turkish Cypriot partner state constitution ready

As the negotiation process aiming to find a fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue has been continuing on the level of leaders of the two communities in the island, intense efforts have been under way to prepare the legal ground of the solution and the new formation.

The Parliamentary Committee, which was set up to prepare constitution of the Turkish Cypriot partner state to form one of the two parts of the solution, completed first stage of its studies.

Besides Turkish Cypriot Federate State of 1975 and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Constitution of 1983, views of political parties, the government, the Presidential Office and the Union of Bars were taken into consideration during preparatory studies over the draft constitution.

The committee unanimously approved the draft last night.

The Constitution of the Republic of Turkey was also taken into consideration during the studies.

The draft consisting of nearly 100 pages which has been prepared in line with the European Union (EU) norms and the arrangements in the Annan Plan, was translated into English on Thursday.

Together with the Greek Cypriot founder state constitution draft, the draft will be presented to the United Nations on Friday.

In accordance with the schedule, United Nations officials will assess both drafts and give the drafts to each sides. Following assessment process, the drafts can be reshaped in line with proposals and views.

The Parliamentary Committee headed by Ferdi Sabit Soyer of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) was comprised of Ahmet Barcin and Bayram Karaman of CTP, Izzet Izcan of the Peace and Democracy Movement (BDH) and Mustafa Arabacioglu of the Democrat Party (DP). Earlier, members of the committee held talks in Turkey.

The temporary committee will maintain its efforts till studies over the draft constitution are completed.

Meanwhile, opposing National Unity Party (UBP) stated that it would apply to the Constitutional Court against the draft constitution.

Releasing a statement, the UBP said, "the draft constitution prepared by a special committee of the parliament, was prepared in a process which was against the TRNC constitution. It is against the current constitution. Therefore, the UBP has charged its lawyers to file a lawsuit against the draft."

Previously, the UBP decided to withdraw its deputies from the temporary committees dealing with the partner state constitution and adjustment laws with the EU.

The Association of Turkish Cypriot Farmers also announced that it would apply to the Constitutional Court against the draft constitution.