The late leader of the Republican Turkish Party Özker Özgür and the late Secretary General of the National Unity Party Salih Miroğlu were remembered today on the 18th anniversary of their deaths.
The two had passed away on the same day 18 years ago.
The ceremonies were attended by high-ranking state and government officials
The first ceremony was held for Özker Özgür who served both as Deputy Prime Minister and the leader of the Republican Turkish Party as well as deputy at the TRNC legislative assembly.
He was also the founding member of the United Cyprus Party.
Speaking during the first ceremony, Özgür’s daughter Münevver Özgür said that her father was a great politician, whose legacy continued.
She said that her father always advocated a policy of tolerance and respect amongst political parties, members and different views.
Also speaking, the leader of the United Cyprus Party İzzet İzcan said that the late Özgür throughout his career defended democracy and a common homeland.
“Remembering him means remembering his struggle,” he said.
The leader of the Peoples’ Party Kudret Özersay who also delivered a few words said that the late Özker Özgür, both a politician and teacher always showed how important the principles of equality, freedom, justice and being a trustworthy person were.
Tufan Erhürman, the leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) drew attention to the importance of the struggle the late Özker Özgür had waged.
“As the years pass, each day we understand better the value of the struggles the late Özgür waged. The Turkish Cypriot people need to continue the struggle he started,” Erhürman said.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel in his speech praised the work and struggle waged by the former CTP leader.
Acting President and Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre said that the late Özgür was a real asset for Turkish Cypriot politicians who had left his mark on the country’s politics.
“He was humble, modest, a person who had good relations with everyone. We had joint views and values and opposing ones. But we must respect all in this struggle. May he rest in peace,” Töre said.
A similar ceremony was held shortly afterwards for the late politician Salih Miroğlu who had served as the General Secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP) and as a cabinet minister.
Also speaking there, the BKP leader İzzet İzcan said that the late Miroğlu was admired and loved by all.
“He was a hardworking and sincere person, one who had great skills when addressing and connecting with people,” he said.
Similar views were expressed by the CTP leader Tufan Erhürman and HP leader Kudret Özersay.
Erhürman said Miroğlu showed all of us the importance of tolerance and listening to the views of the other side in politics.
“His death was a great loss for the country,” he added.
UBP leader and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said that the late Miroğlu was a seasoned politician who spared no effort in serving the country and the people.
“Unfortunately we lost him when he was serving as acting UBP leader. Once again we are paying our respects to him and his family,” the prime minister said.
Delivering the final speech, Acting President and Parliamentary Speaker Zorlu Töre said that Miroğlu was a man of the people.
“His leadership and pioneering qualities were of the highest standards. So was his loyalty and dedication to preserving the independence of the state. We continue to uphold his ideas and principles,” he said.
The ceremony ended with flowers being placed on Miroğlu’s grave.
A similar ceremony was held shortly afterwards for the late politician Salih Miroğlu who had served as the General Secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP) and as a cabinet minister.
The ceremony ended with flowers being placed on Miroğlu’s grave.