Özgürgün issues a message for the 23rd April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
24 April, 2017Bob Geldof gives a concert in the TRNC despite Greek Cypriots’ efforts to prevent it
25 April, 2017President Mustafa Akıncı and Prime Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün each received a group for the 19th International Children’s Festival on 23 April.
In his speech, President Akıncı stated that the 23rd of April was gifted to all the world’s children by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and that this special day is celebrated in the TRNC every year.
Akıncı stated that participation of students from 7 countries was planned for the festival however children from 5 of those countries were able to participate due to the “fanatical” attitudes of the Greek Cypriot side in not allowing the children to enter the country. President Akıncı reminded those present that the participation of children from Serbia and Russia was prevented by the Greek Cypriot Administration. Akıncı also noted that the Greek Cypriots have concerns with regards to the recognition of the TRNC.
In his reception speech, Prime Minister Özgürgün pointed out the importance of International Children’s Day, which commemorates the first opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, saying that the day was dedicated to children by Atatürk.
The Prime Minister also noted that it was everyone’s duty to leave behind a country where children could look to the future in security and trust, and wished children happiness and enthusiasm in celebrating the feast.