FIRST CEREMONY TAKES PLACE AT ATATURK'S MAUSOLEUM
ANKARA - The 81st anniversary of foundation of modern Republic of Turkey has been celebrated throughout Turkey, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Turkish missions abroad.
The first ceremony took place at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Great Founder of modern and secular Republic of Turkey.
Pillars of the state led by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer observed a minute of silence out of respect to Ataturk and his brothers in arm.
President Sezer signed the special book of the mausoleum saying,
''Great Leader Ataturk,
We are in your presence with the honor and pride of celebrating the 81st anniversary of secular and democratic Republic of Turkey.
The Republic, which was founded after the War of Independence, has paved way to Turkish people to take their place in the modern world.
Turkish people are aware of that the Republic based on independence and national sovereignty, is the most important guarantee of sustaining entity and development of Turkey as a modern and democratic country.
I profoundly believe that Republic of Turkey will become one of the most powerful partners of the modern civilization by preserving its national values with the contributions of all its citizens and institutions.
Our nation is determined to exalt and protect Turkey under the light of your reforms and principles.
We will always be grateful to you.''
Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc; Acting Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin; Constitutional Court Chief Judge Mustafa Bumin; General Staff Chief General Hilmi Ozkok; Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal; members of the Council of Ministers; commanders of land, air, naval and gendarmerie forces; True Path Party (DYP) leader Mehmet Agar, Ankara Governor Kemal Onal, Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek, representatives of political parties and the other officials were in attendance at the ceremony.
(UK-AÖ) 29.10.2004