Sener: Gul's Visits To CHP And ANAP Were Beneficial

ANKARA - "Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul`s visits to the Republican People`s Party (CHP) and the Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) following announcement of his presidential candidacy were beneficial," Turkish State Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener said on Tuesday.
Replying to questions of journalists during a reception held on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the foundation of the Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITC), Sener said, "such meetings are the requirement of democracy. After announcement of his presidential candidacy, Gul paid visits to the CHP and the ANAVATAN. He also held talks with independent MPs to ask for their support. They were beneficial meetings."
On the other hand, Labor & Social Security Minister Murat Basesgioglu replied questions about Iraq, "we attach great importance to Iraq`s territorial integrity. We also pay attention to protection of Turkmen people`s rights."
Meanwhile, Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) Chairman Sinan Aygun said about Gul`s presidential candidacy, "Turkey needs stability. The presidential election should not give rise to tension in the country."
Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader Zeki Sezer said in his part, "Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan assigned a presidential candidate. This is quite negative in terms of democracy. It is an attempt to drag Turkey back into the period of single-party administration."
Meanwhile, Grand Unity Party (BBP) Muhsin Yazicioglu said, "a political party having majority at the parliament determined its own candidate. I hope that the process will be completed within democratic rules and without escalating tension."