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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Turkish secularists in new rally | Turkish secularists in new rally |
| (about 18 hours later) | |
| At least one million Turks have rallied in the city of Izmir to protest against any government plans to undermine Turkish secularism. | At least one million Turks have rallied in the city of Izmir to protest against any government plans to undermine Turkish secularism. |
| The major demonstration was the fourth since the ruling AK Party nominated Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul as its candidate for the country's presidency. | The major demonstration was the fourth since the ruling AK Party nominated Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul as its candidate for the country's presidency. |
| Many Turks suspect Mr Gul of having an Islamic agenda, something he denied before withdrawing his candidacy. | Many Turks suspect Mr Gul of having an Islamic agenda, something he denied before withdrawing his candidacy. |
| Parliamentary elections scheduled for November are now to be held in July. | Parliamentary elections scheduled for November are now to be held in July. |
| The AK Party - which has roots its in political Islam - argues that a general election will only prove that it commands widespread public support. | The AK Party - which has roots its in political Islam - argues that a general election will only prove that it commands widespread public support. |
| The government has also backed a constitutional reform package that would allow the president to be directly elected by the people. | The government has also backed a constitutional reform package that would allow the president to be directly elected by the people. |
| The danger is still not over. These rallies must continue until there is no longer a threat Neslihan ErkanProtester Q&A: Turkey crisis class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=6242&edition=1">Send us your comments The BBC's Sarah Rainsford, in Istanbul, says an AK Party candidate would be likely to win any presidential vote. | |
| There were loud calls at the latest rally for opposition parties to unite and weaken the AK Party at the polls. | There were loud calls at the latest rally for opposition parties to unite and weaken the AK Party at the polls. |
| But there is still little sign of that on the left-wing and little time now left, our correspondent says.. | But there is still little sign of that on the left-wing and little time now left, our correspondent says.. |
| Opinion polls show the AK Party remains the most popular in Turkey, despite the mass protests | Opinion polls show the AK Party remains the most popular in Turkey, despite the mass protests |
| Opposition alliances | Opposition alliances |
| The demonstration in Izmir - Turkey's third-largest city - was the fourth mass gathering in favour of the republic in as many weeks. | The demonstration in Izmir - Turkey's third-largest city - was the fourth mass gathering in favour of the republic in as many weeks. |
| Buildings and streets in Izmir were covered in flags and portraits of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the republic. | Buildings and streets in Izmir were covered in flags and portraits of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the republic. |
| Many of the protesters said they wanted to make a statementBoats flying the flag also joined the demonstration in Izmir's harbour. | Many of the protesters said they wanted to make a statementBoats flying the flag also joined the demonstration in Izmir's harbour. |
| The main slogan, once again, was that Turkey is secular and will stay secular, our correspondent says. | The main slogan, once again, was that Turkey is secular and will stay secular, our correspondent says. |
| Many of those rallying were clear that their main aim was to make a clear statement to the government. | Many of those rallying were clear that their main aim was to make a clear statement to the government. |
| "The AK Party will most likely win the elections but they will have to take into account these demonstrations and what people are saying," said Haluk Berk, a doctor and university teacher. | "The AK Party will most likely win the elections but they will have to take into account these demonstrations and what people are saying," said Haluk Berk, a doctor and university teacher. |
| "These rallies have been useful in forcing the government to take a step back," protester Neslihan Erkan told the Reuters news agency. | "These rallies have been useful in forcing the government to take a step back," protester Neslihan Erkan told the Reuters news agency. |
| "The danger is still not over. These rallies must continue until there is no longer a threat." | "The danger is still not over. These rallies must continue until there is no longer a threat." |
| Many secularists consider the government's efforts to confirm Mr Gul as president as evidence of a hidden Islamist political agenda. | Many secularists consider the government's efforts to confirm Mr Gul as president as evidence of a hidden Islamist political agenda. |
| Nationalist opposition parties boycotted two parliamentary votes on the issue. | Nationalist opposition parties boycotted two parliamentary votes on the issue. |
| The military, which regards itself as the guardian of Turkey's secularism, has also indicated its opposition to the AK Party's move. | The military, which regards itself as the guardian of Turkey's secularism, has also indicated its opposition to the AK Party's move. |