The Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Ziya Öztürkler issued a message to mark April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, underlining the deep-rooted understanding of sovereignty and freedom among the Turkish Cypriot people, forged through a proud history of honourable struggle.

In his message to mark the occasion, Parliamentary Speaker Ziya Öztürkler noted that the symbolic final ceremony held at the old parliament building and the inaugural session at the newly constructed Assembly hall represented both a tribute to the past and a declaration of faith in the future.

He emphasized that the new Assembly would stand as a symbol of democracy, national sovereignty, and the will of the people.

Thanking Türkiye for its unwavering support in the construction of the new building, Öztürkler said the project reflected the strength of ties, unity, and solidarity between the TRNC and Türkiye.

He also expressed gratitude to all who contributed to its realization.

Concluding his message, Öztürkler reflected on the symbolic representation of children occupying parliamentary seats on April 23, stating that these children would one day become the deputies, ministers, prime ministers, and speakers of tomorrow.

He expressed hope that the values they embody would always be grounded in justice, equality, freedom, and peace, and voiced a heartfelt wish for an end to war, particularly remembering the children who lost their lives in conflict zones such as Gaza.