Turks protest against Abdullah Gul's candidature for presidential postApril 25, 2007 - 18:38 AMT 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 Atatürk gathered near Chankaya palace, the presidential residence. They chanted "We want a president loyal to Atatürk'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. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |