89th anniversary of Sivas congress celebrated

Ceremonies marking the 89th anniversary of the Sivas Congress were held in Sivas yesterday. Addressing the festivities, President Abdullah Gul said, "I once more declare that the unity of this country can never again be ruined." He added, "Once again we remember how hard it was to found this country, and what kind of sacrifices were made to lay the foundation of the Turkish Republic." In related news, Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal also issued messages marking the anniversary.