Continuing his trip through eastern and south-eastern Anatolia, President Abdullah Gül came to Yüksekova in Hakkari today (12 September). In a speech in front of the district office, Gül spoke of unity and togetherness.

Gül had travelled from the Van province of Baskale to Yüksekova in a military helicopter.

Warm welcome

When he travelled along Cengiz Topel street to the district office, he was met with thousands of people who cheered him. Gül shook hands with officials and NGO representatives at the office.

President Gül met with district governor (kaymakam) Cantürk. Other people handed him letters in which they had described their problems.

"Peace mothers" did not reach him

The "Peace Mothers" said that they were prevented by Gül's guards from giving him a letter. The "Peace Mothers" is an initiative of women whose children have died in the mountains or are in prison and who are calling for a peaceful solution to the Kurdish question.

Addressing the crowd, Gül said: "Believe me, the goodwill you have show me is the goodwill and affection towards the state and the nation. The years of neglect will have an end soon."

Gül expressed his happiness at taking his first domestic tour in this region: "When we manage to strenghten our unity, our peace, the sentiments of brotherhood between us, then everything will be better. You will see. Let us take care of our state, our nation. Then you will see that the years of neglect will have an end soon. Services will flow to this region."

In this four-day trip of the eastern and south-eastern provinces, Gül is also scheduled to travel to Siirt, Sirnak and Diyarbakir. (NZ/AG)