Monday, July 23, 2007

Turkish poll win for party with Islamist roots could raise tensions

"Turkish poll win for party with Islamist roots could raise tensions
HIDIR GOKTAS AND SELCUK GOKOLUK IN ISTANBUL

TURKEY'S ruling Islamist-rooted AK Party won nearly 50 per cent of the vote in a decisive national election victory yesterday, early returns showed.

The stronger than expected showing gives the pro-business party a mandate for reform but potentially sets the stage for renewed tensions with the secular elite, a few months after a clash over who should be president triggered the early election."

More:The Scotsman - International - Turkish poll win for party with Islamist roots could raise tensions