Demirel, Suleyman (1924-2015), was president of Turkey from 1993 to 2000. As president, he worked to establish links with Western Europe and the United States , attract foreign investment into Turkey, and seek Turkey’s full membership in the European Union . He sought friendly relations with Israel while assuring Palestinian Arabs of his support for an independent Palestinian state. However, his presidency was troubled by internal problems, such as unstable government administrations, the terrorist activities of Kurdish rebels fighting for a politically separate state of Kurdistan , and the opposition of Islamic extremists. His administration was also criticized for its human rights record.
Demirel entered political life after working as an engineer on hydroelectric projects in Turkey and the United States. In 1964, he became president of the politically moderate Justice Party, which later became part of the True Path party. In 1965, he became prime minister for the first time, holding office until 1971. He was prime minister again from 1975 to 1977 and a third time in 1979 and 1980. His third term of office was cut short by a military coup that suspended political activity in Turkey for 10 years. From 1991 to 1993, Demirel held the office of prime minister for a fourth time.
Demirel was born in Isparta, Turkey. He studied engineering at Istanbul Technical University. He died in Ankara , the Turkish capital, on June 17, 2015.
