THE REPUBLİC DAY CELEBRATED ENTHUSİASTİCALLY THROUGHOUT THENATİON

The 83rd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic was celebrated with many activities all over Turkey. Within this framework Beyoglu District Branch of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) organized a "Republic March".

AK Party members who met in front of the Galatasaray High School, including Mr. Hayati Yazici, Deputy Chairman, Mr. Egemen Bagis, Member of Parliament representing Istanbul, Ahmet Misbah Demircan, Mayor of Beyoglu, walked along Istiklal Avenue up to Taksim Republic Monument.

During their march, Party Members handed out Turkish flag pins and red carnations to the citizens.

In his statement to the press Mr. Hayati Yazici, Deputy Chairman of AK Party, noted that the Turkish Republic is one of the most important acquisitions of the Turkish society and through the Republic the nation had the chance to express its own will.

Commenting that on this occasion they are also remembering Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic Mr. Yazici added "It is unfair to this nation to evaluate those for the Republic and those that are not. The republic is an asset claimed by everyone in this geography. There can be no threat nor a concern regarding the republic."

Egemen Bagis, celebrating the Republic Day commented: "The republic belongs to all of us. This activity of AK Party Beyoglu District Organization has become a traditional event over the last three years. I'm delighted to witness many NGOs that are following this example. Today we are very happy."

Extracts: Anatolian News Agency report dated 28 October 2006