CHP criticizes Lagendijk

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) lawmaker Kemal Anadol yesterday criticized a Dutch politician who co-chairs a joint commission between the Turkish and European parliaments. "We're ashamed that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lets Joost Lagendijk speak this way," said Anadol. He accused Lagendijk of being a "foreign player on the AKP squad" and of "acting like a colonial governor." Lagendijk over the weekend criticized what he called the CHP's anti-European Union position. "If they continue going around the country and making political attacks on the CHP, they will get a harsh response," said Anadol. He also criticized Lagendijk for being silent about the controversial use of force by police against demonstrators on May 1, asking, "Three days have passed since the incidents. Why didn't he speak up against the thuggery on May 1?"