Turkey’s government was pursuing efforts Wednesday to defuse a row over plans to exert more control over the judiciary, a move that has stoked concerns about the independence of the country’s institutions.

Turkey's government was pursuing efforts Wednesday to defuse a row over plans to exert more control over the judiciary, a move that has stoked concerns about the independence of the country's institutions in the wake of a damaging corruption scandal.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, facing the worst crisis of his 11-year rule, said Tuesday he was ready to freeze the legislation in the face of stiff opposition -- but only with conditions.

President Abdullah Gul, who personally intervened to try to break the deadlock, voiced hope of an agreement but said any judicial reforms should be in line with EU standards.

"A compromise between the ruling party and opposition would help... demonstrate to those both inside and outside the country that the issues are addressed within a democratic system," he told reporters.

His comments came as Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag was holding talks with the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK), Turkey's top independent judicial body which has found itself in the government's cross hairs.