Baykal: CHP is Turkey’s castle that has not fallen

Baykal noted in his speech that Turkey was passing through a difficult time in which several games were played with the country and added that the CHP carried a lot of responsibility in such an environment, being the strongest party.

The CHP leader answered the recent criticisms about the party’s ineffective opposition, saying such criticisms were derived from the CHP’s attitude towards Iraq and Cyprus.

"Some circles are disturbed by CHP’s being against sending troops to Iraq or by CHP’s Cyprus policy. This is the reason behind the criticisms claiming the CHP displayed ineffective opposition. Those who criticise us indeed mean we don’t display opposition in the way they desire," said Baykal.

Baykal said the CHP’s attitude towards sending troops to Iraq was enough for the party to be respected during its lifetime.

Baykal also criticised the ruling Ak Party for deciding to deploy troops in Iraq, saying they had no right to drag the country into such a bad situation.

Baykal addressing recent controversies on drafts the government prepared to amend the education system, noted that the state, the judicial system and education should be kept away from religion and from Ak Party attempts to damage the secular system.