Turkish PM Erdoğan set to meet with high party board upon unrest

ISTANBUL

Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan (C) waves to supporters after arriving at Istanbul's Ataturk airport early June 7, 2013. REUTERS/Osman Orsal

Shortly after bracing for a showdown with anti-government protesters upon his return to Istanbul from an overseas trip on June 6, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will hold a meeting with the highest decision-making body of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on June 7 in Istanbul.

Remarkably and exceptionally, Erdoğan’s gathering with members of the 50-seat Central Decision and Executive Council (MKYK) will take place in Istanbul, rather than in Ankara. These gatherings usually take place at the AKP headquarters in the capital city of Ankara. The Istanbul meeting of the MKYK will begin at 1.00 p.m., the Anatolia news agency reported, without citing a venue.

As of June 8, Erdoğan will depart for Mersin for the opening ceremony of the Mediterranean Games, Anatolia said.