23rd ANNIVERSARY
OF THE DEATH OF DR. FAZIL KUCUK
The leader of the freedom struggle of
the Turkish Cypriot people Dr. Fazıl Küçük was remembered today (15
January) at his monument at Anıt Tepe. Various ceremonies took place for
the 23rd anniversary of the death of Dr. Fazıl Küçük.
The ceremony at Anıt Tepe started with
the attendance of President Mehmet Ali Talat. Within the framework of the
commemoration ceremonies, a portrait and photography exhibition will also
be opened in Dr. Fazıl Küçük Museum in Girne Street (Lefkoşa), where
Küçük’s private collection and the gifts he received during his visits to
India will be displayed. The exhibition will be open until Friday (19
January).
A remembrance race was also carried out
in Çamlıbel for the 23rd anniversary of Dr. Küçük’s death.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcı in a message issued for the 23rd
anniversary of Dr. Fazıl Küçük’s death stated that he remembered Dr. Fazıl
Küçük with respect and added that although 23 years have passed from his
death, Dr. Küçük continued to be a guide for the Turkish Cypriot people.
Foreign Minister Avcı pointed out that
the Turkish Cypriot people’s existence struggle and desire to integrate
with the world, as political equals were the reflection of the leadership
of Dr. Fazıl Küçük.
Avcı drew attention to the fact that the
struggle to maintain the unity of the Turkish Cypriot people starting from
the colonial years had been the key factor today in becoming a state.
Continuing, Foreign Minister Avcı said:
"Unity, development and strong faith of
people, has taken its place in history as the result of His services given
to Turkish Cypriot people. As a leader who knew very well the desires and
expectations of the Turkish Cypriot people, Dr. Küçük will always be
remembered with the struggle he gave for the Turkish Cypriot people and
with vested rights in accordance. The torch he lighted will show us the
way in difficult and dark days and the struggle he gave will give us
strength and new faith in times we feel tired."
ERÇAKICA: "PAPADOPOULOS’ AIM
IS TO AVERT THE OPENING OF LOKMACI GATE BY EMPLOYING NEW PROVOCATIONS"
Following is the full statement of
Presidential Spokesman Hasan Erçakıca in his weekly press conference held
on Friday (12 January):
"Continuing to put forward conditions
for the opening of the Lokmacı Gate, the Greek Cypriot leader Mr. Tassos
Papadopoulos he has also been making use of unacceptable expressions for
President Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat.
The main reason behind the change in the
language Mr. Papadopoulos has made use of is to avert the opening of the
Lokmacı Gate by employing new provocations. The purpose of the Turkish
Cypriot side is not to create “a positive impression” as alleged by the
Greek Cypriot side; but to open the Lokmacı Gate for the use of both
peoples. Therefore, our position against indecent attacks of Mr.
Papadopoulos will be in accordance with this purpose.
It has been decided that the said
statements by Mr. Papadopoulos will be brought to the attention of the UN,
pointing out that in spite of the serious recommendations by the UN and
the related third parties to end the blame game; it is Mr. Papadopoulos
himself who employs this attitude. Provided that Papadopoulos maintains
this attitude in his statements, more drastic measures are to be taken.
At this point, the only thing
Papadopoulos should do for the mingling of the two peoples and supporting
the efforts of settlement in Cyprus is to knock down the wall of shame in
Lokmacı region.”
