ANKARA, February 7: Participants of a seminar expressed their full support to the oppressed people of Kashmir and their democratic right to self-determination. The seminar, to commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day, was organized by Turkey-Pakistan Cultural Association in collaboration with Ankara University. While addressing the participants, Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, President of Turkey-Pakistan Cultural Association and member of Turkish Grand National Assembly said, “Turkey shall always support the cause of the oppressed Kashmiri people.” He referred to Prime Minister Recep Erdogan’s speech in the UN General Assembly where he advocated the early resolution of this long standing dispute for achieving peace and stability in the region. Mr. Burhan stressed that Turkey will continue to play a positive role and shall support efforts aimed at resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
“Lasting peace in Asia is dependent upon the resolution of the Kashmir issue according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people,” said Prof. Dr. Oya Akgonenç, a noted academician and writer. She said Indian forces in the Occupied Kashmir are violating human rights. They are continuously using rape as a weapon of war to curb the indigenous freedom movement of the Kashmiri people, Prof. Dr. Oya added.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey H.E. Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat said Pakistan remains committed to a meaningful, sustained and result-oriented dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues, most importantly, the core dispute of Kashmir. He reiterated the unwavering political, moral and diplomatic support of the people and Government of Pakistan to the just struggle of Kashmiri people to safeguard their fundamental rights including their right to self-determination. He acknowledged the tremendous support of the people and Government of Turkey in this regard.
Photo caption: President Turkey-Pakistan Cultural Association and member Turkish Grant National Assembly Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey H.E. Mr. M. Haroon Shaukat and Prof. Dr. Oya Akgonenç. speaking at Kash mir Day seminar at Ankara.