ANKARA: Prime Minister Suleyman Demirel’s Government resigned here today [March 12], following an ultimatum from the Turkish Armed Forces. The resignation came a little more than four hours after the country’s military chiefs threatened to take over the Government if a new Cabinet, able to meet the country’s demands, was not formed. The Armed Forces were placed on a state of alert when the military leaders’ ultimatum was broadcast... . The military chiefs ... threatened to take over the country unless a new Government was formed immediately and measures taken to improve political and economic situation.

A Government Spokesman said Mr. Demirel was going to the Presidency to hand in his Government’s resignation. A new Government will be formed within the country’s formal democratic processes, the spokesman said. It would normally mean that President Cevdet Sunay would call on a political leader to form a Government following Presidential consultations with ... political leaders.

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies in the UN] Israel and UAR resumed formal talks today [March 12] with United Nations peace envoy Gunnar Jarring after a lapse of almost two weeks but both sides stood their ground. … Israel was waiting for UAR’s response to an invitation to detailed discussions....

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2021