ANKARA - Former State Minister Kemal Dervis said on Friday that he has never considered wrong warm relations between New Turkey Party (YTP) and Democrat Turkey Party (DTP) leader Mehmet Bayar.
Responding to questions of journalists while leaving his office, Dervis said that ''Mr. Mehmet Ali Bayar is a young, liberal and modern politician whom I really appreciate. Certainly the liberal center, which we call as social liberal synthesis has an important function. I have never considered YTP's coming closer to Mr. Bayar as wrong, on the contrary, I considered it correct. Such kind of warm relations, alliances are important. If YTP administration is open to that, why doesn't it search for such alliances with CHP for instance, or broaden it to a broader social democrat section. It does not mean that having close relations with DTP is wrong... On the contrary, it is correct, but I say that why don't we broaden it to left. I think my point of view on this issue has not been totally reflected true by the press. I would like to correct that. I wish success to my YTP member friends. In my opinion a broader social democratic unity, democratic left unity would be better. We will try to succeed that on a more different dimension.''
When asked if he would respond to YTP leader Ismail Cem's criticisms, Dervis said that ''I am responding now, I wish success to him. I hope our friendship will continue. We have perceived and considered certain issues differently. I am really sincere about the issue of alliance and unity, I will continue my efforts sincerely not for myself, but for formation of a serious structure after the elections which can really work.''
When asked if he would meet with CHP leader Deniz Baykal, Dervis said he would meet him in the beginning of next week.