Prof. Dr.  Ömer Çomaklı, the rector of Atatürk University, has published a message because  of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day. Rector Çomaklı has  expressed these in his message:

We excitedly comprehend the 98^th anniversary of the opening of Grand National Assembly of Turkey where the Turkish nation was revived by the will which had won     the Independence War with faith and determination. April 23, the date when the revival was institutionally realized with the opening of the assembly, is of great importance because it represents the essence and power of the national sovereignty. A sovereignty which is not based on nation and national values cannot be permanent. A fight which is not based on nation and its faith and will is doomed to failure. April 23 is our nation's determination to revive. The opening of the assembly is the record of a nation's, which has never been taken into captivity throughout its history, retrieval of its political identity. The spirit which motivated the nation from the Independence War to the establishment has been working for the eternal existence of our country and our nation with the same power and faith.

To raise our children, who will build new Turkey and will have important roles in building a peaceful world, as individuals who are free, who can make decisions on their own and can question, and who are well equipped and skilled enough to deal with the difficulties in life should be our common goal.  The best inheritage we can leave for the future will be a better, stronger and bigger Turkey.

With these feelings and opinions, on the 98^th anniversary of the opening of our High Assembly, I celebrate our children's, who are the future architects of our country's aim of reaching above the level of contemporary civilisations and who are the guarantee of our nation's bright future, and all the children's    National Sovereignty and Children's Day. I hereby remember, firstly, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the members of our first assembly and the honourable heroes of our war of independence with respect and gratitude, wishing our national existence to be permanent.  I wish today would bring all the children in the world peace and happiness and I embrace the children who have come to our country from all over the world warmly.

Prof.  Dr. Ömer ÇOMAKLI 

Rector