World Bulletin

Turkish opposition leader calls to reset EU relations

Main opposition leader in Turkey has called for "a new understanding"
in relations with the European Union
.
Friday, 25 September 2009 09:27

Main opposition leader in Turkey has called for "a new understanding"
in relations with the European Union.

"We need to reset relations with the EU, which would help us solve
great many issues," Deniz Baykal, leader of the Republican People’s
Party (CHP), was quoted as telling EU ambassadors in a luncheon
Thursday in Ankara.

Baykal said Turkey-EU relations has seen a relatively slow pace of
progress over the last years and "they even came to a stand still."

"It is very difficult to be realistic and optimist at the same time
about the EU issues. We need a change in relations," Baykal said.

Baykal said the Cyprus issue should be seen as a leverage against
Turkey in its relations with the European Union.

Baykal is known his harsh speech against Turkish government’s thaw
with Armenia and also "democratic move" for Kurdish population.