TURKEY's Islamist-led coalition resisting growing pressure from the country's powerful military, beat off a new challenge yesterday when opposition deputies failed to rally enough support for a censure vote against the Prime Minister, Mr Necmettin Erbakan.
A statement issued after last week's marathon meeting of civilian and military leaders reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to a secular state and outlined measures to be taken against radical Islamists, stressing that integration with Europe was a priority. While Mr Erbakan claimed the army and the government were "in full harmony", a communique signed by Gen Erol Ozkasnak said: "The armed forces can only be in harmony with people who follow Ataturk's way, believe and implement his principles.
A list of 20 measures the National Security Council expects the government to take against "the forces of reaction" and Islamic radicals was leaked to the press. These included bans on Muslim dress and curbs on religious education.
The army's efforts to implement these measures prompted some commentators to speak of the situation as a "soft coup". But a defiant Mr Erbakan announced he would not sign the document.
Eyes are now turned towards the junior partner in the coalition, Ms Tansu filler's True Path Party. Deputies in the party have been feeling increasingly uneasy with the militant attitude of the Welfare Party. Ms Ciller has so far said the coalition would continue, but she raised the possibility of pulling out if "the conditions require it".
Toppling the government, however, would not end the instability in Turkish politics. The formation of another coalition would prove difficult, given the deep divisions among parties, and new elections could prove a dangerous gamble. As President Suleyman Demirel has noted, there is no sign that Turkish voters will change their voting patterns. Repressing the Islamists may only make them stronger.