Turkey's former first lady 'to be among founders of opposition party'

Turkey's former First Lady Hayrunnisa Gül will reportedly be among the founders of the party that will be founded by former Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan this month. "Ms. Hayrunnisa attaches great importance to our party, just like Mr. Abdullah. It was decided for her to be among the founders," a source working with Babacan told daily Yeniçağ.

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Turkey's former First Lady Hayrunnisa Gül will reportedly be among the founders of an opposition party that will be founded by former Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan.

Babacan resigned from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) last year over "deep differences" and has been continuing efforts to establish a new political party.

He has been receiving advise from Turkey's 11th President Abdullah Gül, who, Babacan said, will not be joining the party.

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Hayrunnisa Gül, however, will be among the founders of the party that will be officially established this month, daily Yeniçağ reported, citing a source working with Babacan.

"Ms. Hayrunnisa attaches great importance to our party, just like Mr. Abdullah. It was decided for her to be among the founders," the source said, adding that the party's bylaws were penned by former Constitutional Court head Haşim Kılıç.

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Hayrunnisa Gül previously made headlines for her remarks towards those criticizing Abdullah Gül when he was leaving office.

"We can't believe what the people have been writing and talking about. I'm quiet now, but won't be so for a long time. I will start an intifada," she said in August 2014.

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