Gul, Toptan and erdogan issue messages marking Nevruz

The annual Nevruz festival has long been celebrated by all the cultures that call this region home, said President Abdullah Gul yesterday in a message marking the annual event. In a separate statement for the occasion, Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan said, "Nevruz, which heralds the advent of spring, is a wonderful example of cultural and historical ties among fellow countries and communities." Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also issued a message saying, "I celebrate the Nevruz festival of both our people and those of the wider region." Stating that Nevruz has celebrated in Anatolia, Central Asia, the Middle East and the Caucasus for ages, he added, "I hope Nevruz will strengthen the ties of friendship and fellowship between our people and those of the region." The General Staff also marked the festival on its official website.