TURKEY: Turkey's parliament has approved changes to the constitution for a second time in a bid to override a presidential veto and pave the way for the ruling party's leader eventually to become prime minister.
The three amendments are subject to a second round of voting in parliament, which must be held within 48 hours, but the Bills' overwhelming support, which included backing from the opposition party, make passage almost certain.
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer last week blocked changes to the national charter that would have lifted a political ban on Justice and Development (AKP) leader, Mr Tayyip Erdogan and allowed him to stand in a by-election, probably in February or March.
Erdogan has been welcomed by world leaders, including President Bush, as Turkey's de facto leader, but a conviction and 1999 jail sentence for inciting religious hatred barred him from running for parliament in a November general election. The AKP won a landslide victory in the polls.
According to Turkish law, the prime minister must first hold a seat in parliament before assuming the top post. The post is currently held by Mr Erdogan's deputy, Mr Abdullah Gul.
Muslim Turkey's secular establishment, including President Sezer and the powerful military, has expressed apprehension over the AKP's perceived Islamist leanings. Though Mr Erdogan and other officials say the party is a conservative, secular group, the AKP traces its roots to two parties outlawed for fundamentalist activities. Analysts have said jittery financial markets, already unnerved by the prospect of a US attack on Iraq, would like to see a quick end to the standoff. Investors fear prolonged uncertainty over Mr Erdogan's role could spark political instability in one of the IMF's biggest client countries.
President Sezer said he struck down the proposed changes, which passed through parliament this month, because they were designed to benefit one individual.
The president cannot veto the draft changes a second time, but he is authorised to call a public referendum or appeal to the Constitutional Court. Either scenario could take months to be resolved. - (Reuters)