Amb. Dr. Faruk Logoglu on 79th Anniversary of October 29, 1923
"The Republic of Turkey continues to demonstrate that pluralist democracy, human rights
and the rule of law can flourish in a predominantly Muslim society"
The Turkish Times - Turkish ambassador to Washington D.C., H.E. Dr. Faruk Logoglu has observed the Turkish Republic Day (October 29) through a special statement he has issued for our publication. Here below is the full text of the Ambassador's remarks:

"On the occasion of the 79th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, it is a great pleasure for me to address Turkish citizens living in the United States, Turkish Americans and our American friends through "The Turkish Times".

The proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, after the victory against the occupying powers, opened the ways far our country to become a land of progress, secularism, modernity and parliamentary democracy. By maintaining her targets of promoting freedom and democracy in the last 79 years and by sustaining the principles set forth during the foundation of the Republic, Turkey today occupies a highly respected place as a modern State in the international community. I believe that it is the shared mission of every Turkish citizen to nourish our Republic.

Turkey's unique location between East and West, as well as North and South, has been a central feature affecting her history, culture and politics. Her cultural, historic and social ties with all nations in the region make her simultaneously European, Balkan, Caucasian, Mediterranean and Central Asian.

Turkey has consistently pursued a foreign policy based on the dictum of Ataturk, founder of the Republic, "Peace at home, peace in the world". This approach implies a full respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, starting with her neighbors.

Turkey, as a result of her Western vocation, is a member of NATO, OSCE, OECD, Council of Europe and other European and Transatlantic institutions. She is also a candidate country to join the EU.

The Republic of Turkey demonstrated and continues to demonstrate that pluralist democracy, human rights and the rule of law can flourish in a predominantly Muslim society.

I would also like to emphasize that the threat of international terrorism has come to the forefront of the international arena after the horrific acts of terrorism last year directed against the United States, indeed against the whole civilized world.

Turkey has also suffered from various forms of international terrorism in the recent past and has pledged her full support and cooperation in the ongoing fight against this international scourge.

On this great day, we commemorate Ataturk, his comrades and the martyrs with immense gratitude and compassion and wish a glorious anniversary to the Republic of Turkey."