Defiant Turkish PM Erdogan in major reshuffle

Mr Erdogan has described a police investigation as a "dirty game"
Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced a major cabinet reshuffle after three ministerial resignations over a corruption inquiry.

Mr Erdogan named 10 new ministers - almost half of his total roster - after talks with President Abdullah Gul.

One of those who quit, Environment Minister Erdogan Bayraktar, had urged Mr Erdogan to step down himself.

Police are investigating allegations of illicit money transfers to Iran and bribery for construction projects.

Mr Bayraktar, Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan and Interior Minister Muammer Guler quit after their sons were taken into custody.

All three deny any wrongdoing.

'Dirty game'

Mr Erdogan submitted the new cabinet line-up to President Gul late on Wednesday.

Among those who lost his job was EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis.

He is accused of being involved in the corruption scandal - but has not been detained or formally charged.

Mr Bayraktar earlier urged the prime minister to resign too.

He insisted that "a great proportion" of construction projects that were under investigation were approved by the prime minister himself, adding: "I want to express my belief that the esteemed prime minister should also resign."

But Mr Erdogan has described the police investigation as a "dirty game".

In a further blow to Mr Erdogan, MP and former interior minister Idris Naim Sahin said he was resigning from the ruling AK Party.
From BEN Latest News: www.benlatestnews.blogspot.com