Turkish foreign minister wins presidency

A devout Muslim with a background in political Islam won the Turkish presidency today, in a major triumph for the Islamic-rooted government after months of confrontation with the secular establishment.

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul received a majority of 339 votes in a parliamentary ballot, Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan said.

Ruling party legislators broke into applause.

“Abdullah Gul was elected Turkey’s 11th president, with 339 votes,” Toptan said. “I congratulate him.”

The vote took place a day after the military, which has ousted four governments since 1960, issued a stern warning about the threat to secularism.

Gul’s initial bid for president earlier this year was blocked over fears that he planned to dilute secular traditions.

Gul, 56, has promised to uphold secularism.

But Turkey’s president has the power to veto legislation, and Gul has failed to allay secularist fears that he would sign into law any legislation passed by the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan – a close ally – without concern for the separation of religion and politics.

Also, his wife wears an Islamic-style head scarf – which is banned in government offices and schools.

“I hope (Gul’s presidency) is beneficial to the country, the people and the republic,” Erdogan said.

“God willing, together, shoulder to shoulder, we will carry Turkey forward.”