ANKARA (A.A) - 22.04.2002 - ''The Republic in which sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the people is the best and most honourable type of ruling,'' President Ahmet Necdet Sezer has said when he issued a message to mark April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, on Monday.
''The Turkish Parliament convened on April 23, 1930 under the leadership of Ataturk with the representatives chosen by the free will of our nation. This way, the Turkish nation started an awakening and began to control its future..... A democratic environment secured by Constitution brings more individual freedom to individuals. Educational and cultural levels of citizens determine how these freedoms are used. Being faithful to Ataturk's principles and reforms and leading a life under the light of these principles require a developed system of thought. Children who are given cultural and art education will be more enthusiastic to protect Turkey's cultural heritage when they grow up. Societies formed by individuals who received a good education, who question, search for truth and respect science, can live under a democratic rule.''
Sezer said that people are the most important element in modern states and added that all types of regimes should aim to offer a good life to all people and make them happy.
Noting that the mentality which believes its expectations would become true through violence, uprising and resistance should no more exist, Sezer said that it is seen today that acts which ignore human rights and are based on violence and pressure may cause more serious wounds with reactions instead of meeting people's expectations.
Stressing that dialogue should be dominant over all kinds of relationship including international affairs, Sezer said that the method of dialogue among every nation, community and generation, which is based on respect to each other's rights and freedoms is the most influential, effective and peaceful method for solution of problems.
President Sezer stressed that perception of this reality and implementation of this method which can remove even most serious disputes by the whole civilized world would be effective in settlement of lasting peace.
''Dear children, you will form the future's decision mechanisms and you will make them function and when you expend efforts to protect the secular and democratic Republic, you will achieve the target of reaching the level of contemporary civilization. We trust you and we believe that our brilliant future depends on protection of your mental and physical health. It is our essential duty to raise you as healthy and determined individuals who abide by their principles,'' the President said in his message.
''We believe that you will be individuals who have self-confidence and adopted universal values and products of culture and civilization. Great Leader Ataturk and His principles and reforms should be your guide on this path. I celebrate your National Sovereignty and Children's Day,'' the President added.