Turkish PM: April 23 is a day of union and independence

ANKARA 

The parliament is the most important symbol of our independence and sovereignty after our flag, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Thursday.

Addressing a special session of the Turkish parliament, Davutoglu, who is also a leader of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, said: “April 23 is a day of union, solidarity and independence.”

He said that the 95th anniversary of the founding of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly was an important milestone for the country. He added the Turkish parliament was a symbol of unity of the nation and people.

The opposition Republican People's Party leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, said: "This parliament was established for defending the rights of our nation inside and outside. That is why this parliament is a symbol of the national sovereignty."

Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahceli said: "An honorable and clean page was opened in Turkish history with the first parliament."

Peoples' Democratic Party Deputy Group Chairman Idris Baluken and Anatolia Party leader Emine Ulker Tarhan also spoke at the parliament’s special session.

The Turkish Grand National Assembly met for the first time in Ankara on April 23, 1920, during the War of Independence, to lay the foundations for an independent, secular and modern republic from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire.

Turkish Republic’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk dedicated the day to Turkey’s children to emphasize their role as the nation’s future and since then the day has been celebrated as the National Sovereignty and Children's Day.

Celebrations of the national day have begun since early Thursday with the official ceremonies taking place in the capital Ankara.