In Sogut, president Gul calls for unity

A ceremony was held in Sogut, Bilecik yesterday marking the 727th anniversary of the founding of the Ottoman Empire. Among those attending the ceremony were President Abdullah Gul, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal, opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, and Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader Zeki Sezer. During the ceremony, Gul said that Turkey should direct its energy and dynamism to reach the level of contemporary civilization, as Ataturk urged. He also called on politicians to maintain unity in the country. For his part, Baykal said, "The requirements for sustaining Turkey's unity are before us." He added, "We're trying to do our part. We'll definitely find a way to take our country forward."