Turkey's poll crisis rocks markets

April 30, 2007

The country's financial markets fell sharply on a threat from Turkey's military to block the government's pick for president, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul. His candidacy sparked a massive protest over the weekend. A hint of what happens next is to come this evening when Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is to address the nation. The dispute pits secularists - including the army - against his government, with its roots in political Islam.