Opposition ciriticizes govt meeting with N.Iraqi administration

Speaking at his party's group meeting, opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli yesterday Bahceli criticized recent government meetings with the administration in northern Iraq, saying, "The consequences of taking new steps in the absence of progress for Turkey will be grave." He branded the government approach a "concession" and "retreat," and claimed it could lead to the release of convicted PKK terrorist leader Abdullah Ocalan. In related news, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said that the current Ergenekon trial is putting Turkish law and justice to the test. Speaking at his party's group meeting, Baykal also criticized government policy on terrorism and the meetings with the northern Iraqi administration, saying they flew in the face of past National Security Council (MGK) decisions.