Turkish leaders opt for early election

THE leaders of Turkey's three-party ruling coalition agreed yesterday to hold early elections in November, as the government of ailing Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit lost its majority in parliament.

The leaders said in a statement that they had reached agreement for polls on November 3 making elections a likelihood, though parliament must still convene to call for a vote.

It appeared that the 77-year-old Ecevit who has been ill and who has been abandoned by dozens of lawmakers from his party would attempt to remain in his post in the meantime despite pressure he resign.