Former Turkish President Suleyman Demirel dies, aged 90

Mr Demirel, who held office from 1993-2000, died early in the morning in Guven Hospital in the capital, Ankara.

He had reportedly been treated for a respiratory tract infection.

In a political carrier spanning nearly 50 years, he also served seven times as the country's prime minister. His government was twice overthrown by the country's powerful military.

Mr Demirel led the Justice Party from 1964 until a military coup in 1980, which led to him and other politicians being banned from politics.

The ban was lifted in 1987, when Mr Demirel formed the True Path Party (DYP) and became president six years later.

 

(BBC)