British opposition leader welcomes change in Turkey's CHP

On a three-day visit to Britain, main opposition Republican People Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu yesterday met in London with his British counterpart David Miliband, who was elected Labour Party leader last September. During the meeting, Kilicdaroglu told Miliband about the CHP, saying that his party is working for more democracy and freedom. Welcoming changes in the CHP, Miliband said, "I'm pleased to hear this from a fellow social democrat party. We stand ready to forge structural cooperation between the Labour Party and the CHP. I hope you get good results in Turkey's coming general elections" this June. Following his meeting with Miliband in Parliament, Kilicdaroglu also attended a reception hosted by Labour's Friends of Turkey. Speaking at the event, Kilicdaroglu said, "The new CHP wants more freedom, more democracy and more equality between women and men. We also hope for help from Britain's Labor Party in achieving this." Kilicdaroglu also met with representatives from the London-based Centre for European Reform. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Kilicdaroglu said he was asked about the CHP's domestic and foreign policy priorities should it come to power.