Turkish president not to contest for second term

Istanbul, June 30 (IANS) Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Sunday that he will not run for a second term in the forthcoming presidential elections in August.

"I will not present my candidacy. I already told this to Mr. (Prime Minister Recep Tayyip) Erdogan before March 30. My office will end on Aug. 28," Xinhua quoted Gul as telling reporters after the annual Gazi derby at Istanbul's hippodrome.

The statement has come two days before the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) announces its own candidate.

Erdogan is widely expected to run in the elections slated for August.

The AKP will submit its official presidential candidate to the Parliament Tuesday with a petition signed by 113 lawmakers.