Baykal meets with EU's Rehn

Main opposition Republican People's Party's (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal yesterday met with European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn. Afterwards, Rehn told a press conference that they would continue working with both the ruling and opposition parties. Stressing that the CHP values Turkey's EU bid, Baykal said, "We'll do our part to overcome the difficulties." Stating that these difficulties should be overcome by a positive approach from both parties and that the negotiation process should end in full membership, Baykal said, "CHP ties with the EU go beyond the official and governmental levels." He added, "It's our duty to support the negotiation process. Our contacts with EU officials will continue." For his part, Rehn stated that the commission works with the democratic powers in candidate countries. "We'll continue working with both the ruling and the opposition parties," he added. "We'll continue our longstanding cooperation with Baykal."