Baykal: "There is no alternative to the CHP"

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal yesterday criticized recent remarks by both Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission Co-Chair Joost Lagendijk and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn. Speaking on television, he claimed that Lagendijk and Rehn's remarks had gone too far, beyond what anyone has the right to do. Responding to claims that despite poor election showings, he is resisting replacing the CHP's leadership, Baykal denied this, saying he had changed the party leadership before. Challenging critics who charge the CHP does nothing, Baykal urged them to suggest alternatives. Baykal also said there was no alternative to the CHP.