|
Turkish rift widens over generals call
A rift between Turkeys Islamic-rooted government and the influential military widened at the weekend as the prime minister criticised a top generals call for more demonstrations in support of secularism.Rising political tension stoked by the murder of a judge last week is likely to intensify speculation about an early election, commentators and diplomats said. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister, is reeling from a public outcry over the attack, inside the Council of State, by a gunman who claimed to be incensed by the highest administrative courts decision to uphold restrictions on the wearing of the Muslim headscarf. Although Mr Erdogan, a former Islamist, has strongly condemned the murder, ministers at last weeks funeral were heckled by mourners who accused the government of creating an atmosphere in which such a killing could occur. Tens of thousands of people later marched in support of the secular order, which the government is accused of undermining in spite of its promises to uphold strict controls on religion in public life. On Friday, General Hilmi Ozkok, the chief of general staff, who rarely makes public pronouncements, urged Turks to continue such demonstrations. Mr Erdogan responded at the weekend by condemning Gen Ozkoks comments as irresponsible, with the potential to affect financial markets and internal stability. The armed forces still see themselves as the ultimate guardians of a secular system established by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the officer who founded the Turkish republic. The exchange cast a further shadow over Turkey after a rare three-year period of political and economic stability. The demonstrations, mainly in Ankara, were among the biggest against the government since it was elected in 2002. Sensing an opportunity, Deniz Baykal, leader of the main opposition Republican Peoples party, has stepped up calls for the government to quit. A general election does not have to be held before late next year. But there has been speculation that Mr Erdogan may go to the country early to renew the governments mandate while it is ahead in opinion polls. In addition, parliament has to elect a new president next spring. A diplomat who follows the political climate closely said: His choice becomes tougher with each passing day. Mr Erdogan has consistently ruled out an early election. But his dilemma is complicated by signs that an economic recovery his main achievement in office is running out of steam. Posted by: ryuge 2006-05-22 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=153299 |