Ankara - The Turkish Prime Minister, Mr Bulent Ecevit, said yesterday he was worried about Turkey's stability after his government was defeated in parliament. "I have been trying for a long time to protect political and economic stability but I am concerned about this now," he said.
Mr Ecevit's left-right coalition failed on Wednesday to gain the support necessary for a constitutional amendment to allow President Suleyman Demirel to serve a second term. The Prime Minister sees Mr Demirel's staying in office as crucial for the survival of his coalition and for the success of the government's IMF-backed anti-inflationary programme. Mr Ecevit's comments appeared aimed at restoring coalition discipline. The setbacks may also force him into bargaining with opposition Islamists, a move which may anger the powerful army.