Here are a few of the Republican People's Party's (CHP) promises ahead of the July 22 elections made by Deniz Baykal, leader of the party (in the picture), as reported by TDN:

Security on the top of the agenda

Baykal declared that his party will actively fight to eliminate terrorism.

No consumption tax (ÖTV) on diesel

On agriculture, we'll subsidize our farmers at double the rate of today's levels. This backing will be useful for raising competition levels. We will provide diesel without charging consumption tax(ÖTV). This means the price for diesel will decrease by 50 percent.

Zero hunger guaranteed

We will attain �zero hunger� in Turkey. We will help the very poor families by contribution of several institutions and the women in those families will be supported directly by the state. We will teach them to fish instead of providing food aid.

Youth will be given loans

We will solve the dormitory problems faced by our youth. We will start building dormitories and shelter for university students. We will increase the amount of loans. Each year we will give over YTL 250 million to one million young people in 10 months. They will not have to start return payments until they find a job.

Education reform

We will carry out comprehensive educational reform. Our main target is the high schools. We will make education compulsory education till the 10th grade. After the first two years of high school, it will be determined which students will be directed to vocational education and which ones to an academic career.

Relations with the European Union

Baykal also answered questions on various issues. When asked about relations with the European Union Baykal said, "When Turkey sees the potential of full membership in the EU, its relations with the union will normalize. But, when there is no concrete perspective on this issue and just opposite conditions are seen, the demands from Brussels are not sensible and conceivable"

Compromise required for seat in Çankaya

Upon another question, Baykal said the president can't be elected without compromise and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) managed this process so unsuccessfully. "Even if we constitute a quorum of more than 367, we will maintain the same understanding of compromise. We will ask all the parties. You are choosing a president for 70 million people. Compromise is required".

Relations with IMF to tread same path

On the relations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Baykal tried to give assurances that there wont' be any deviation from current policies. �There is no need to be in a state of absolute conflict with international financial institutes. Turkey is a confident country that is loyal to its commitments and relations. Changing this understanding is out of the question".

Sale of banks to foreigners

Regarding the sale of Oyak bank to foreigners, the CHP's leader criticized the decision saying, "The transfer of all Turkish banks to foreign capital is not a right preference and approach".

Labels: CHP, elections2007