Erdo?an supports Gül's possible return to the party

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has said it would be ?felicitous and propitious? if former President Abdullah Gül declares his candidacy to run in the upcoming general elections scheduled for June 7, as sources said the two founders of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) would soon meet to discuss the issue.

?I think such a decision by him would be felicitous and propitious,? Erdo?an said in Ankara on March 6, responding to a reporter?s question about Gül?s probable candidacy.

?The issue of the candidacy is at his own discretion,? Erdo?an said, adding that he had spoken with Gül last week about his father?s illness, wishing him a speedy recovery.

Gül had earlier hinted that he would make a comeback to the political ?movement that he had helped launch.?

Bülent Ar?nç, the deputy prime minister who is also among the AKP?s founders, said Erdo?an?s remarks were a ?light of hope.?

Speaking in a televised interview on private broadcaster NTV, Ar?nç said it would be wise to invite Gül back to the party, but he does ?not think we are at such a point yet.? He also said he would like to see Gül return in the role of parliamentary speaker.

Sources told Hürriyet that a number of senior members of the AKP had asked Erdo?an during a recent meeting to convince Gül return to the party, to which Erdo?an responded neither negatively nor positively.

Both men fixed a meeting for the upcoming days in a recent phone call, sources said, adding that Gül would expect an open invitation from Davuto?lu before taking action.

Rumors of Gül?s return to the AKP ahead of the June elections were rejected most recently in February by AKP spokesperson Be?ir Atalay.

It is ?too early? for former...