ANKARA - A ceremony was held on Monday in Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the Founder of Modern Turkish Republic, to commemorate the Great Leader on the 65th anniversary of his demise.
State officials headed by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer laid a wreath on the Mausoleum and observed a minute of silence.
Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chief of General Staff General Hilmi Ozkok, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal, chairmen of high judiciary organs, members of Council of Ministers, commanders of forces, representatives of some political parties, bureaucrats, some deputies and other state officials attended the ceremony.
After the ceremony, Sezer signed Anitkabir Special Book. Sezer wrote that Turkish citizens were commemorating Ataturk with respect on the 65th anniversary of his demise.
Sezer said that Turkish nation was expressing its love, respect and belief for Ataturk, who founded the Republic, across the country and stated that Ataturk became a model not only for Turkish nation, but also for all humanity with his peacemaking and sublime identity.
President Sezer said that thanks to the successes of Republic, Turkey was looking at the future safely and added that Turkish nation would protect principles and reforms of Ataturk till the very end.
Ceremonies are also held across the country to commemorate Mustafa Kemal Ataturk due to the 65th anniversary of his death.
ATATURK COMMEMORATED IN TRNC
TRNC President Rauf Denktas, TRNC Parliament Speaker Vehbi Zeki Serter, TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, Turkish Ambassador to TRNC Hayati Guven, Turkish Cypriot Peace Keeping Forces Commander Gen. Isik Kosaner, TRNC Security Forces Commander Gen. Necmeddin Baykul, other high ranking commanders, ministers, political party officials, representatives of institutions, students and citizens attended the ceremony.
Signing the special book of Lefkosa Ataturk Monument, TRNC President Rauf Denktas stated that Turkish Cypriot young persons and resistant Turkish people were following the path of Ataturk.
Turkish Ambassador to TRNC Hayati Guven wrote in the special book that the principles and revolutions of Ataturk continued to guide the Turkish Cypriot people.
Gen. Isık Kosaner wrote in the book that TRNC would continue to walk on the path of civilization under the wings of Turkey.
Similar ceremonies were also held in other cities, primary and secondary schools and universities of TRNC.
(ÖŞ-AÖ) 10.11.2003