Dervis: I Definitely Cannot Join Y.T.P.

ANKARA - Former State Minister Kemal Dervis has said that he definitely cannot join the New Turkey Party (YTP).
Speaking at a press conference at Turk-Is headquarters on Thursday, Dervis said that Turkey mostly overcame the economic crisis but the economic growth had not reached a desirable level. He said that the current government was formed by three parties who had significantly different views and these parties had very different visions for Turkey's future. He indicated that economic crises were caused by mostly political dividedness rather than financial reasons.
Dervis warned that Turkey might go through a very troublesome period in November - December period of this year if this political dividedness continues, adding that political unity was essential. Dervis also said that early elections were held in Turkey to bring a more effective government.
''Actually, if you compare today to four weeks ago, we made important progress,'' he continued. ''People today are supporting political unity in central left. It is not important to be elected as a deputy and enter Parliament. What is important is the majority in Parliament. Coalitions are possible but these coalitions should be formed among parties which have similar views. It is even better if the coalitions are announced before elections. It would be better if people know beforehand what kind of a coalition they are voting for.''
''I want to go further. It will be better if a part of the Council of Ministers is announced before elections. This is how it is done in many European countries,'' Dervis added.
Dervis said that ''this effort, this unity and this alliance had to be made,'' and noted that being obstinate about this unity and alliance should be perceived as determination, not lack of determination.
''We have reached an important stage within a few days. It is a little bit saddening and a little bit pleasing. What upsets us is that New Turkey Party said that 'they are not interested in alliances.' What upsets us is that this party thinks that this effort is wrong and they do not join any alliance in such a way. That party can have rightful reasons and can assume a different attitude. I will respect to their views,'' Dervis said.
Dervis went on saying, ''but, it is not easy for the people. I think there are currently 23 political parties. This is a very difficult thing. What will people do when they face 23 political parties in the elections? We have a difference in point of view regarding this issue. I am saying that efforts to unite social democrats in the center-left should be continued. Of course, we have to get results very quickly because we have a little time in front of us. YTP administrators said that they were not in such a union or searches for a union and they would not exert efforts. In fact, there is a unity. There is an alliance with Democrat Turkey Party (DTP) but, they announced yesterday that they consider an alliance in the left especially an alliance with CHP and DSP as unnecessary. We do not share their views about this issue.''
''My taking part in a party which does not exert efforts similar to mine will cause contradictions for me; that is, it is not possible for me to join YTP. I worked together with Ismail Cem and Husamettin Ozkan for 17 months. This friendship should continue according to me. I wish them success. If a coalition before the elections is not formed, maybe there can be a union after the elections. We should also think about this. I sincerely wish them success. I hope them to continue their efforts and to get positive results,'' Dervis said.
Dervis added, ''also, they maybe help a recovery in especially centre-left. It is possible and it will be beneficial. I have exerted efforts in social democrat wing. I have always been a social democrat. Market economy is the most efficient means in economy. An understanding against market economy does not bring welfare, but brings bureaucracy. It brings a heavy etatism and in the end, people are not provided labor and bright future. Market economy has today adopted modern and social democracy.''
DERVIS: STEP TAKEN BY CHP LEADER IS VERY POSITIVE
Dervis said that step taken by Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal for a unity in the left and his call in this direction was very important and positive.
Dervis told that he thought that this call opened a door for unity of centre-left social democrats and people who were standing in the democratic left wing.
He was upset with the situation that occurred in the last 48 hours, Dervis said and went on saying, ''on the other hand, I think that step taken by Baykal and his call is very important. I found it very positive. I think that this call has opened a door for unity of center-left social democrats and people who are standing in the democratic left wing. Of course, everything is not over.''
''Efforts should be continued. I did not meet him today but, I think that his call for a meeting and concerted efforts is important and new. Baykal has taken this step. I think that these initiatives should continue and further improved,'' Dervis stated.
Dervis noted, ''there are problems, of course, there will be problems. But, representation of a strong social democrat and democratic left movement at the parliament on November 4 and prevention of misuse of votes as much as possible will be for the benefit of Turkish democracy, labor, industry, farmers, and tradesmen. Formation of a balanced parliament reflecting main movements of the society after November 4 and support extended to a government that can administer economy at this parliament is the most important priority for Turkey. My efforts to this end will continue.''
Stating that he was an economist rather than a politician, Dervis said that he was entering politics to help Turkey's economy. ''It is not possible to recover economy without creating political solutions,'' he said.
''I regard Baykal's call very positive,'' he continued. ''These efforts could reach success with the help of non-governmental organizations. I hope these efforts would prepare grounds for a government that could act more in harmony. Baykal took an important step.''
Dervis indicated that alliances were not formed against anyone but they were done to maintain political stability.
He remarked that people need to be offered something new. ''I think Baykal took an important step in this regards. I think we'll continue these efforts together.''
Dervis also called on especially young people to get registered and vote at elections.
DERVIS: ICANNOT JOIN ANY POLITICAL PARTY AT THE MOMENT
Dervis stressed that he had no political experience, but he had a good knowledge of economy and treasury.
''I'm new in politics and I need understanding from you. Maybe I cannot interpret certain things right. But I want to form a central left in Turkey,'' Dervis said.
''There is no country in Europe which is nearing elections in such a divided political structure. There's always a political right and left because they unite among each other. There are a few small parties in those countries too, of course. But in Turkey, we should correct this situation.''
Dervis said that YTP could be very beneficial for Turkey and went on saying, ''it can address reformist and rightist liberal reformist wings. I hope that they will be successful. I think that they should be successful. But, they do not search for a social democratic unity. They are searching for another unity. To this end, our positions are different.''
''When you say social democrat, there is CHP and DSP and some other small parties. I think that it is not possible to form a social democratic unity by excluding them. We cannot get any result without talking with CHP and exerting some efforts,'' Dervis noted.
Stating that CHP leader Deniz Baykal made a call yesterday and YTP leader Ismail Cem responded to that call, Dervis said, ''I cannot say that I am joining this or that party at the moment.''
His determination to unite social democrats should not be perceived as lack of determination, Dervis said.
Dervis stressed that his determination was to ensure a unity in social democratic line.
His efforts would also continue in following elections, Dervis added.