May 21, 2002 - 23:29 AMT
TURKISH PREMIER ECEVIT'S ILLNESS MIGHT RESULT IN NEW LEADERSHIP CRISIS AND ECONOMIC CATASTROPHE
Turkish Premier Bulent Ecevit's state of health has become worse. Yesterday 76-year-old politician was taken to hospital. As reported, the day before, he fell down and broke some ribs. Besides he has problems with his left foot's vessels. According to the unofficial version, Ecevit is able to coordinate the government's activities from the hospital and nothing threatens his life. But, articles regarding the inevitability regarding early elections are issued in the opposition press more and more often. The Premier's illness has already affected the county's economics. Yesterday the shares of the main Turkish companies decreased by 5.5% on average, the lira fell in price by 3.5%. Stock market started feeling feverish two weeks ago, when the first information about the government head's illness appeared. The Premier's retirement could result in next crisis in the leadership as it was managed with difficulties to unite the parties that are ruling coalition now around Ecevit exactly. Analysts think the early elections can be a catastrophe for Turkey.