Gul: Reforms And Democratization Start Within Organization

ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday, ''there can be a vote to appoint the new secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). It is the sign that reforms and democratization start within the organization.''
Replying to questions of journalists, Gul said, ''there can be a vote to appoint the new secretary general of the OIC today. Such a vote will be held for the first time in the history of the OIC. It is the sign that reforms and democratization start within the organization.''
Turkey named Prof. Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for the position. Malaysia and Bangladesh also have candidates.
Under the practices of the OIC, OIC secretary general is appointed with compromise to symbolize the solidarity among the Islamic countries.
However, none of the three countries want to withdraw its candidate this time.
Therefore, a vote will be held for the first time in the history of the OIC.
Diplomatic sources said that a secret voting should be held according to regulations.
(UK-AÖ) 15.06.2004