Turkish parliament speaker to leave post on Feb. 18

By Cemal Coskun

ISTANBUL

Turkish Parliament Speaker Binali Yildirim on Tuesday said he will leave his post on Feb. 18.

Speaking to a private Turkish TV channel, Yildirim said he will leave the position of parliament speaker when he formally applies to run for mayoral elections scheduled for March 31.

Yildirim was nominated as candidate of ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party for mayor of Istanbul.

"For me, the issue of being parliament speaker will be over as of Feb. " Yildirim said.