Concerns were raised on Tuesday over suggested reforms to the state’s law and audit offices during the first meeting at the attorney-general’s office to examine constitutional issues arising from the proposal.

Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis outlined the “unwavering aim” for the proposed reforms and explained to those present the reasoning behind them, drafts of which had been sent to the committee members a few days ago.

Attorney-general George Savvides and auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou both expressed their concerns, with Savvides saying the proposed reforms would mean amending the constitution.

Hartsiotis pointed out that, despite any constitutional difficulties, the aim was to bring about reform the soonest possible, within the legal and constitutional framework.

The minister clarified that the procedure would go ahead, regardless of the work of the committee.

Once Hartsiotis concludes his series of meetings with political parties, MPs, the Supreme Court, the Cyprus Bar Association and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus, the justice ministry will formally send the bills to the Law Office to be examined.

Hartsiotis said he expected this to be concluded within the next 30 days.

The minister told the committee “emphatically” that the aim for the modernisation of the two services was concrete and must be fulfilled the soonest possible.

Also present were deputy attorney-general Savvas Angelides, deputy auditor-general Kyriakos Kyriakou and a committee of experts on constitutional issues.

The committee members will exchange views in writing and meet again in a fortnight.