2007年VOA标准英语-Controversial Candidate Again Seeks Turkey's Pr

Turkish FM Abdullah Gul speaks to the media after his meeting with the MHP leader Devlet Bahceli in Ankara, 14 Aug 2007

Turkey's Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said Tuesday he will run again for his country's presidency¹. His previous bid in April caused a political crisis that forced Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to call new elections. As Dorian Jones reports for VOA from Istanbul, Gul is a devout² Muslim and his candidacy is expected to raise opposition³ again from Turkey's secular⁴ opposition parties.

In a news conference to confirm his candidacy, Gul said he was answering the call of the people. He said, if elected, he will protect the secular constitution separating state and religion.

He said, "My candidacy is based on the masses of people, in the city and town square which have voiced their support for me." He added that he thought deeply about this decision, "but could not deny the people's wishes."

During his first bid for the presidency in April, opponents accused him of wanting to undermine the secular state, pointing to his leading role in previous Islamic parties. His candidacy caused a political crisis and resulted in last month's snap elections. His Justice and Development party won the election.

At his news conference, Gul stressed he is committed to to the founding principles of the republic.

"My priority is to follow the Turkish constitution and its principles of secularism⁵ and the rule of law. My guide will always be upholding the constitution," he said.

Gul spent much of Tuesday meeting with opposition party leaders in attempt to build support.

Along with concerns about his Islamic political past, his wife is also an issue. She wears a religious headscarf, which is banned in many state buildings. Gul refused to answer questions about the issue, saying it will be addressed later.

Political columnist⁶ Nuray Mert says Gul's candidacy could reopen divisions within Turkish society.

"Everybody is looking forward for a second term which is stable economically and also politically. And for political stability there must a compromise and consensus⁷ on the issue of presidency," said Mert.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives in his office for a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, 24 Jul 2007

Since last month's election, the prime minister had been trying to repair divisions within Turkish society. Last week he chose a consensus candidate for the speaker of parliament.