CHP Leader: We are trying to overcome this shameful act against democracy

The leader of Turkey’s main opposition has said his party does not want to create a parliamentary gridlock following an important meeting with the legislature’s newly elected speaker on Thursday.

“We do not mean to boycott Parliament, we are trying to overcome this shameful act against democracy,” Republican People’s Party, or CHP, leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu said.

Kılıçdaroğlu met with speaker Cemil Çiçek in order to discuss a solution to the crisis that arose after CHP deputies refused to take the parliamentary oath in response to the continued incarceration of elected CHP deputies.

He said they had difficulty explaining to civilized nations why unconvicted deputies were not released from arrest following their election.

“Our friends were not convicted, they are under arrest,” Kılıçdaroğlu said, noting that only a conviction could prevent someone from becoming a deputy.

“The prime minister and the president expressed their disapproval of long-term arrests. The European Union is also unhappy with the situation, as well as the opposition in Turkey. Then why are we not solving this problem?” Kılıçdaroğlu said. “Let us get together and solve this problem.”

Kılıçdaroğlu said Çiçek agreed with him and extended his support the search for a solution – which could include convening party group representatives to discuss a way out of the crisis.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan commented on the crisis after Kılıçdaroğlu’s statements, saying, “They [CHP] should take the oath and join the Parliament.”

July 7, 2011
SOURCE: Hürriyet Daily News