Socialst International meeting begins without CHP

The 23rd Congress of the Socialist International (SI) began yesterday in Athens with representatives of 150 political parties and organizations from 120 countries, but without Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). The CHP declined to attend over fears it would face criticism or even expulsion due to alleged violations of SI principles. At the meeting, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' (TRNC) Republican Turkish Party (CTP), led by Premier Ferdi Sabit Soyer, is expected to be given observer status, and the Iraqi Patriot Union of Kurdistan (IPUK) is set to gain full membership.