Demirel threatens challenge

Ankara - President Suleyman Demirel of Turkey yesterday warned rivals he could return to challenge them in party politics if …

Ankara - President Suleyman Demirel of Turkey yesterday warned rivals he could return to challenge them in party politics if they blocked his way to a second term. Mr Demirel (75), who has shown no signs of losing his considerable political skills over seven years in the non-executive post, told Hurriyet newspaper he had no plans to retire.

"I've never bothered with flowers and chickens in my life," he said. "I'll find something to do. No one should worry about that." Yesterday a parliamentary commission began debating constitutional reforms that would allow him to seek a second term when his current tenure ends in May.