UPDATE – Turkey marks death anniversary of 8th president

UPDATES WITH ERDOGAN'S REMARKS ON TURGUT OZAL UNIVERSITY

By Emin Ileri and Mumin Altas

ISTANBUL (AA) – The 25th death anniversary of Turkey's eighth President Turgut Ozal was marked on Tuesday.

A ceremony attended by his family and government officials was held at his memorial graveyard in Istanbul.

Customs and Trade Minister Bulent Tufenkci, Istanbul’s Governor Vasip Sahin, Istanbul’s Mayor Mevlut Uysal and ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party Deputy Chairwoman Oznur Calik attended the commemoration with Ozal’s wife, two children and other relatives. Some Turkish citizens also participated in the program.

A chapter from Ozal's biography was read and Presidential Secretary General Fahri Kasirga placed a wreath on the grave.

“It is difficult to speak about him, my longing and pain increases,” said Semra Ozal, his wife, who participated in the program on a wheelchair.

His son Ahmet Ozal said he remembered his father in all his glory.

His other son Efe said he was touched that even after 25 years his father was being remembered with such kind words.

“Turkish people will not forget him,” said Tufenkci.

In his message read out at the event, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “The distinguished statesman and politician Turgut Ozal, who plays an important role in the development of our country, will always be remembered respectfully.”

Later, addressing his party's parliamentary group, Erdogan said a new university will be established to honor Ozal's name in his hometown of eastern Malatya province.

“We have decided to establish the Malatya Turgut Ozal University to keep Turgut Ozal's name alive. ”

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