Turkish president approves pro-EU cabinet

New Turkish President Abdullah Gul approved a pro-EU cabinet yesterday which reflected Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's desire to push ahead with stalled political and economic reforms needed to join the bloc. As foreign minister, Mr Gul helped Turkey...

New Turkish President Abdullah Gul approved a pro-EU cabinet yesterday which reflected Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's desire to push ahead with stalled political and economic reforms needed to join the bloc.

As foreign minister, Mr Gul helped Turkey win EU accession talks status in 2005 and he is the first politician with a background in political Islam to become president in mainly Muslim but constitutionally secular Turkey.

After meeting Mr Gul at the presidential palace, Mr Erdogan named Ali Babacan as Mr Gul's successor as foreign minister. Mr Babacan will remain in his role as chief negotiator in the EU membership talks, which were partially frozen last year.

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