Atalay: Lausanne Treaty Has Opened Gates Of A Free And Modern Life To Turkish Nation On Their Territories

ANKARA - A ceremony took place at War of Independence Museum in Ankara on Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of the Lausanne Treaty, one of the main documents of foundation of the Republic of Turkey.
Speaking at the ceremony organized in cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, State Minister and Acting Foreign Minister Besir Atalay said, ''the Lausanne Treaty signed on July 24, 1923, has opened gates of a free and modern life to Turkish nation on their territories.''
''We commemorate Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Ismet Inonu with great gratitude and respect. Ataturk described the Lausanne Treaty as a turning point in history of Turkey. The treaty has opened gates of a free and modern life to Turkish nation on their territories. The treaty was beyond a peace agreement following the war. The treaty has a character arranging political, legal, economic and social relations of our state in the international platforms. The Lausanne Treaty confirmed military victory of Turkish people following the War of Independence in legal and political fields. Fundamental characteristics of the Republic of Turkey were included in the treaty,'' he said.
Atalay noted, ''according to this, Turkey constitutes an indivisible unity with its country and nation. All Turkish citizens have the same rights and are equal. Our nation has always been determined to protect its territories without making any concession from its independence and freedom. We have the will and power to protect and survive the Republic of Turkey.''
Prime Ministry Undersecretary Fikret Uccan, Ataturk Culture Language and History Higher Institution Chairman Prof. Dr. Sadik Tural, Turkish Language Institution Chairman Prof. Dr. Haluk Sukru Akalin, Ministry of National Education Undersecretary Necat Birinci, Ministry of Culture and Tourism Undersecretary Mustafa Isen, Ankara Governor Yahya Gur, Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials and representatives of foreign mission were in attendance at the ceremony.
(UK-AÖ) 24.07.2003