Ecevit Hands Over His Duty To Gul

ANKARA - Bulent Ecevit, the prime minister of the 57th government, has handed over his duty to Abdullah Gul, the prime minister of the 58th government.
Gul arrived at the Prime Ministry Office at 1.55 p.m. on Tuesday to take over his new position.
Deputy prime ministers Mehmet Ali Sahin, Abdullatif Sener and Ertugrul Yalcinbayir accompanied Gul.
Ecevit welcomed Gul in front of the Prime Ministry building.
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sukru Sina Gurel was also in attendance at the welcoming ceremony.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Ecevit described Gul as a successful and experienced statesman, adding, ''I believe that his achievements will continue at his new position.''
''I wish him continuous success. I also wish success to members of the new Council of Ministers,'' he said.
Prime Minister Gul thanked Ecevit and said, ''the new government will carry out good missions for the country and for the people. Mr. Prime Minister Ecevit is one of the important cornerstones of the Turkish political life. We have always heard his name throughout our lives and we have always learnt many things from him. Therefore, Mr. Ecevit is an unforgettable name in Turkish political life. I am very happy to take over such a mission from him and I wish him success, health and happiness.''
Following the hand-over ceremony, Ecevit and Gul had a tete-a-tete meeting and then Ecevit left the Prime Ministry building.