World Bulletin / News Desk 

Turkish President Abdullah Gul has said ongoing debates over the government's move to shut down prep schools should not lead to resentment.

“There can be discussions during the law-making process. What is important is that these discussions should not result in resentment and sadness. Everyone should voice their opinions. Those making laws within this parliamentarian system will surely take these into consideration,” Gul said on Friday.

Gul's statements came at a time when the whole country has been locked in a debate surrounding the closure of prep schools and its implications on the education system.

Speaking at a televised interview jointly aired on ATV and A Haber late on Wednesday, Erdogan touched upon the issue for the first time, insisting that the government will not step back from its earlier plan and is preparing to present the proposal within the next two weeks.

The government announced it is working on legislation to shut down all existing prep schools, arguing that they operate as a second education system.

Opponents of the plan have noted that the prep schools are a consequence of the many inadequacies of Turkey's schools and education system, and say that by offering tutoring at affordable prices, prep schools help low-income students enter university.