DHAKA: Former Turkish president Suleyman Demirel has died, aged 90, hospital officials say.

They say Demirel, who held office in 1993-2000, died early in the morning in Guven Hospital in the capital, Ankara.

He had reportedly been treated for a respiratory tract infection, reports the BBC.

In a political carrier spanning nearly 50 years, he also served seven times as the country’s prime minister. His government was twice overthrown by the country’s powerful military.

Demirel, who led the Justice Party in 1964-90, and a number of other politicians were banned from politics after a military coup in 1980.

The ban was lifted in 1987, paving the way for Demirel’s return to power several years later.

BDST: 1335 HRS, JUN 17, 2015
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