In Istanbul, PM Erdogan lambastes CHP

Speaking at his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) regular congress yesterday in Istanbul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan harshly criticized main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal. "They slander my name and my deputy Dengir Mir Mehmet Fırat," said Erdogan. "Mr. Firat pledged to resign if the CHP proves its allegations. But there is no answer yet. This is the CHP's character. They slander first and taint a person." He said, "Those who don't believe in Turkey and trust in the nation see our goals as a vain dream," adding, "This isn't a vain dream." Calling on the CHP not to harm confidence in the country, the premier said, "Don't cast a shadow on the country's stability. If the confidence and stability is damaged, not the ruling party, but the country will lose."