President Ersin Tatar's statement in support of the Turkish Cypriots protesting in front of the Waltham Forest Town Hall, London: “The TRNC flag is the symbol of our sovereignty and identity"
President Ersin Tatar sent a message to the Turkish Cypriots who protested the taking down of the TRNC flag that had been hoisted in front of the Waltham Forest Town Hall by the Council leader, Grace Williams.
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In pursuance of the Council regulations and procedures, the flag had been hoisted with a ceremony in the gardens of the Town Hall on November 15 – coinciding with the 38th anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for the day. However, it was ordered to be taken down by the Council leader within hours who also issued a written apology.
A protest in front of the Town Hall was organised by the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations (UK) and was supported by different civil groups.
President Tatar sent the following message to the protestors:
“I wish to commend the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations (UK) and our civil groups for seeking justice against discrimination, by organising tonight's protest in Waltham Forest. Our flag is the symbol of our sovereignty and identity, and we are entitled to be treated in the same manner as other People. Uniting to protest on a cold and wet night to declare that Turkish Cypriots exist and hands off our flag is commendable, for which we are grateful to you all.