MILLIYET- Columnist Fikret Bila comments on possible paths to be taken by Economy Minister Kemal Dervis. A summary of his column is as follows:
Mr. Dervis's schedule of contacts was very busy yesterday again. Forestry Minister Nami Cagan, State Minister Fikret Unlu, and former State Minister Ercan Karakas all saw Dervis yesterday. In such a sensitive atmosphere, created by the job security bill, Turkish Confederation of Employers' Unions (TISK) Chairman Refik Baydur's meeting with Mr. Dervis was cancelled due to his busy schedule. The first signal about Mr. Dervis's plans came from his advisor Oya Unlu yesterday. Unlu resigned from her duty as an advisor, which was a government job. Yesterday was the deadline for public officials who will become candidates for Parliament to resign. Unlu's resignation was seen as the first sign that Dervis would go into politics. However, during a conversation with Unlu, we asked her if she would go into the politics. 'I will act together with Mr. Dervis,' she replied. 'I might be a candidate or not. I might also continue to work as Mr. Dervis's advisor. However, I had to resign in order to be a candidate for deputy and to be able to continue my duty as a deputy after the elections as well. Sept. 11 is the deadline to register a candidate. Up to that time, I will continue to work with Mr. Dervis.' This approach of Unlu's gives an idea about Mr. Dervis's possible path in the near future. The opinion of the politicians who met with Dervis yesterday can be summarized as follows: 'Mr. Dervis hasn't yet made up his mind. However, the resignation of his closest advisor shows that Dervis is leaning towards going into politics. Dervis might resign from his duty as a minister. However, he might also make efforts for the establishment of alliances until Sept. 11, a goal which he desires much more than participating in a party. It shouldn't be expected from him to become associated with a party just after he resigns. He might even go back to his university duties if he's unable to find the conditions he wants. However, it is certain that even if he resigns, he will continue to put forth efforts for the establishment of an alliance.' When we asked circles close to Dervis whether the decision of New Turkey (YT) and the Democratic Turkey Party (DTP) to act together would make it easier for him to participate in the YT, they said, 'Dervis has been pleased by these kinds of moves towards alliances. The Motherland Party (ANAP) might also participate in a cooperation between the YT and the DTP. Yilmaz, who is searching for an alliance, might announce that he would act together with Cem and Bayar. Thus, a common platform from the left and the liberal right would emerge. This situation might affect Dervis's decision.' If we examine this atmosphere, created by the circles close to Dervis and the politicians who met with him, we can say that no certain decision exists yet. Clearly, however, Dervis will continue to make his efforts for an alliance.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION