State and government officials have issued messages to mark the 24th anniversary of the death of Turkish Cypriot statesman Osman Örek.
The Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu all issued messages on Friday.
Messages were issued by TRNC state and government officials on Friday on the 24th anniversary of the death of Turkish Cypriot statesman Osman Örek.
Örek had served as Prime Minister and Parliamentary Speaker during the Cyprus Turkish Federated State as well as leader of the National Unity Party (UBP).
He was also one of three Turkish Cypriot cabinet members in the 1960 Cyprus Republic.
The Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre in his message said that the late Örek had played an important role in the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for freedom, serving at important state and government positions.
He reminded that Osman Örek was one of Turkish Cypriot leader Dr Fazıl Küçük’s and Founding President Rauf Denktaş’s closest associates.
“Osman Örek will always be remembered, he will always continue to live in our hearts”, Töre said in his message.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel for his part described Osman Örek as an important symbolic figure in Turkish Cypriot politics.
“Örek, with his legal expertise, had led the London Committee delegation during the drafting of the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus and the Treaties of Establishment. He was also one of three Turkish Cypriot cabinet members in the 1960 Republic. Later he played an active role in the establishment of our state,” Üstel said.
He added that Örek and his services will never be forgotten.
Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu in his message said that Örek was a symbolic politician who had been in the frontlines of the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for freedom and existence.
“We remember Örek on the 24th anniversary of his death with respect and gratitude. His services and contributions will never be forgotten,” the foreign minister’s message read.