Baykal and Cem had not met since the 2003 elections but started contacting indirectly at the beginning of last week and set the agenda of today's talk. A letter which Baykal will hand to Cem today, voices a longing for the left to unite and to bring into existence a strong social alternative and calls on Cem and his party to join his CHP.
Baykal says in his letter, "Esteemed Chairman, my Valuable Journey Friend; I am calling you and my brothers in YTP to walk in the bright road of Mustafa Kemal towards the ideals of equality and freedom of social democracy."
YTP had failed in the general elections, remaining at 1 % but Ismail Cem is a very popular and respected personality. he has made great contributions to the Turco-Greek rapprochement.