Turkey: Government Update (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Jan. 27, 1999 |
| Report Number |
RS20030 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Carol Migdalovitz, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Capping three years of political instability, a fourth government since the December 1995
election
has been formed in Turkey to lead the country to new elections on April 18, 1999. The maneuvering
of politicians and the interference of the powerful Turkish military in politics have produced the
governmental turnovers. The military continues to be wary of a possible strong showing by Islamists
in the coming vote. New Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, an ardent secularist and nationalist,
reportedly has little hope of accomplishing much during his very brief tenure. Pending foreign
policy issues of concern to Turkey that also concern the United States include Iraq, Cyprus, Greece,
and Europe. For additional background and related information, see CRS Reports 97-840F,
Turkey:
Situation Update , September 12, 1997; 97-462F, Turkey's Unfolding Political
Crisis , April 11, 1997,
97-799F, Greece and Turkey: Aegean Issues Background and Recent Developments ,
and CRS
Issue Brief 89140, Cyprus: Status of U.N. Negotiations , all by Carol Migdalovitz. This
report will
not be updated.
