New blood elected to Anavatan, SP helms

Two parties, the Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) and Felicity Party (SP), currently unrepresented in Parliament, selected new leaders in separate party congresses over the weekend. On Saturday, Salih Uzun was selected to replace Erkan Mumcu at ANAVATAN's helm. Uzun, 38, was formerly a top official at the Anatolia News Agency. Speaking after his win, Uzun said that the new administration will act in line with the principles and values of the party to serve the nation. In addition, SP leader Recai Kutan was succeeded by Numan Kurtulus, 49, on Sunday. Leader emeritus Necmettin Erbakan, who also attended the congress, was warmly welcomed by SP supporters.