Baykal And Proposal

MILLIYET- Columnist Fikret Bila comments on Republican People’s Party leader Deniz Baykal’s position on US troop proposal. A summary of his column is as follows:
If Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok’s proposal is submitted to Parliament for the second time, will the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) stance change? During our meeting yesterday, CHP leader Deniz Baykal said, “No, it won’t change because nothing has changed concerning the issue. Constitution’s Article No. 92 is very clear and obviously the proposal is contrary to the article. Therefore CHP’s stance won’t change. If the proposal is submitted for the second time, we will vote against it again.’ Stating that there isn’t a change in the international conditions, Baykal said that United Nations hasn’t made a second resolution.
Baykal also emphasized US policy concerning northern Iraq. Stating that this policy doesn’t create trust, Baykal added, ‘The US’ stance favors the forces in northern Iraq. It’s unacceptable.’ Recalling that Parliament’s refusal of the proposal on Iraq increased Turkey’s honor, Baykal added, ‘Turkey’s honor was damaged due to wrong policies and methods it had followed. Turkey was put in certain situations, which it didn’t deserve. Parliament changed this image immediately with its decision and provided Turkey with the honor that it deserved again. Thus, it gave the necessary lesson to those who are trying to depreciate Turkey. Now it wouldn’t be suitable to try to put Parliament under pressure by submitting such a proposal for the second time.’
Baykal explained the CHP’s stance this way. At this point, the government’s and Office of General Staff’s hopes concerning a second proposal are left to the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the AKP members who are to change their view following Gen. Ozkok’s statements. The military rescued the AKP, now it’s the AKP’s turn.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION