Washington Marks 125th Anniversary of Atatürk's Birth

A commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Atatürk's birth was held Friday at the US Capitol building in Washington, drawing messages from several world leaders.

Türkiye's President Ahmet Necdet Sezer addressed the gathering, affirming that Türkiye would continue along the path defined by Atatürk's principles and remain a secular, democratic member of the modern world. Sezer expressed satisfaction that an allied nation like the United States had organized such an event.

US President George W. Bush issued a statement describing Atatürk as a leader who took courageous steps toward freedom and peace, and said Washington sought to strengthen its ties with Türkiye.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf also sent messages, each recognizing Atatürk as a statesman of significant global influence.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in May 2006, in its own words.