Main opposition CHP leader Baykal steps down

In a move the rocked Turkish politics, longtime Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal announced his resignation yesterday at a press conference at CHP headquarters. Baykal had led the CHP since 1992, and his move apparently ends a nearly 40-year political career. The 71-year-old politician said he was the victim of a conspiracy, referring to a videotape scandal allegedly involving Baykal that led to a media firestorm last week. His resignation means the CHP faces the unexpected task of choosing a new leader at its annual congress later this month.