MEXICO CITY - Statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern and secular Republic of Turkey which was erected by Turkish Confederation of Employers' Unions (TISK) in La Reforma Boulevard in Mexican capital Mexico City, was inaugurated on the 80th anniversary of foundation of the Republic of Turkey.
State Minister Guldal Aksit, National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, Labor and Social Security Minister Murat Baseskioglu, TISK Chairman Refik Baydur, Turkish Ambassador to Mexico Mehmet Nuri Ezen, sculptor Sait Rustem, a group of members of TISK, Mexican Deputy Foreign Relations Minister Enrico Berruge Fibog, Culture Minister Enrico Seno Calev, Mexican officials and Mexican students studying in the Turkish school in Mexico City were in attendance at the inauguration.
Speaking at the ceremony, National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul expressed his pleasure with the inauguration of the statute of Great Leader Ataturk in Mexico City on the 80th anniversary of foundation of the Republic of Turkey.
Thanking Mexico City Governor's Office for allotting an exceptional place to the statue by well-assessing importance of Ataturk and position of Turkey in the world, Gonul said, ''Ataturk was an influential leader with his principles and thoughts who realized the unbelievable dream of foundation of a secular and democratic Republic of Turkey by combining courage and patriotism of Turkish people with his own genius. He was a statesman of great military and political success. Inauguration of his statue will constitute a very significant step in bilateral relations between Turkey and Mexico.''
Meanwhile, Labor and Social Security Minister Baseskioglu said in his part, ''republic and democracy are the most perfect style of administration in the history of the humanity. We have acquired these values in a short period of time thanks to Great Leader Ataturk. As Turkish nation, we have been experiencing the honor and happiness of having a democratic and secular republic based on supremacy of law, human rights, and freedom of religion and conscience for 80 years. The Republic is the greatest guarantee for our next generations. I believe that this statue will make a valuable contribution to efforts of further strengthening our friendly relations with Mexico.''
Describing Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and the first president of the Republic of Turkey, as one of the most significant personalities of the century, State Minister Aksit said, ''Ataturk changed destiny of a nation and became a source of inspiration for the whole world. Our Republic, which was founded following the War of Independence, constituted a model for many countries.''
(UK) 29.10.2003