Ciller faces corruption inquiry

Ankara (Reuter) - Turkish MPs yesterday passed an Islamist motion to set up a commission to investigate corruption charges against the former prime minister Tansu Ciller.

They voted for an inquiry into alleged links between Mrs Ciller and contract irregularities at the state electricity company. Approval of the motion suggested deputies from her new coalition partner, the Motherland Party (Anap), had abandoned her. She has said the coalition government could collapse if Anap joined the opposition ranks against her.

The commission could recommend taking Mrs Ciller to the Supreme Court, which would ruin her chances of becoming premier again under a power-sharing deal with the Prime Minister, Mesut Yilmaz.