New party threatens to topple Turkish coalition

TURKEY'S former foreign minister launched a new political party yesterday to topple Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who is fighting to stay in power despite poor health and a mutiny within his cabinet.

Speaking after the resignation of foreign minister Ismail Cem, the prime minister said he would not resign and added that he was naming his close ally, Sukru Sina Gurel, to replace Mr Cem.

"We have to carry on until the end," he said, referring to scheduled 2004 elections. "At this stage, I am on top of my duties, I am obligated to be."