TURKS PROTEST AGAINST ABDULLAH GUL’S CANDIDATURE FOR PRESIDENTIAL POST

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.04.2007 17:38 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On April 24 protest actions were held in Ankara
against Abdullah Gul’s candidature for the presidential post of
Turkey. Protesters carrying portraits of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
gathered near Chankaya palace, the presidential residence. They
chanted "We want a president loyal to Ataturk’s principles". Drivers
passing by signaled expressing their support to protesters. The first
group of protesters dispersed after warnings of police, after which
another group of protesters gathered near Chankaya. Representatives
of non-governmental organizations also expressed their support for
secular system in Turkey. 14 activists have been detained.

Protesting against actions of riot police some participants of
demonstration chanted, "If it is a crime to hold the banner of Turkey,
arrest us!"

Another group of people in Kugulu Park chanted slogans like "Ways of
Chankaya are closed for shariat!" One more protest was held in the
Golden Crescent Square, where people chanted slogans against the
ruling Justice and Development party, Abdullah Gul and the United
States. Protesters who lined up in front of cordons of riot police
stated that Gul’s candidature does not meet the will of people and
it may increase tension in the society, APA reports.

On April 24 Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan offered Foreign
Minister Abdullah Gul’s candidature for the presidential post from
Justice and Development party.