Gul issues Christmas message

In his annual Christmas message yesterday, President Abdullah Gul expressed his wishes for unity and tolerance in the nation. Gul said that the Christmas season brings peace, love and happiness, underlining, "The Turkish nation's Christian citizens are equal members of our society." Adding that Turkey is a republic and a secular, social democratic state under the rule of law, he stated that Turkish citizens are bound by ties of solidarity and friendship. Reiterating that Turkey has continued to work to solve the problems of its region with its rich history and cultural past, he said, "It will support enhancing cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue."