* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)
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Today is September 21 International Day of Peace. It was in 1981 when the United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared the third tuesday of every September as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Then, in 2001, September 21 was declared as the "International Day of Peace."
On this occasion, Republican People's Party (CHP) İstanbul MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu has released a written statement. Sharing details about how September 21 was declared as such, the MP has briefly said:
"In 1981 (57th session), the General Assembly of the UN declared the third tuesday of every September, the opening day of the General Assembly, as the 'International Day of Peace.' On September 7, 2001, September 21 was approved as the International Day of Peace.
"On the Peace Day, the United Nations aims to prevent conflicts across the world and raise awareness for the establishment of peace. Every September 21, the 'Peace Bell' is rung at the UN headquarters.
'It was cast from coins donated by children'
"Built by Japan in memory of the people massacred in wars, this bell was cast from the coins donated by children from all continents of the world. 'Long live absolute world peace' is inscribed on the bell. However, September 1 is generally accepted and marked as the 'World Peace Day.'
"'This year's peace day theme has been set by the United Nations as Shaping Peace Together. It is said, 'This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other's enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life.
'COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere.'
'Physicians are targeted'
"As for Turkey, September 1 and/or September 21 'Peace Day' is celebrated in an environment where the Justice and Development Party (AKP) governments bring the society face to face with the corona outbreak, economic crisis, feminicides and hate crimes that have got out of control.
"On September 21 Peace Day: Turkish Medical Association is targeted... The police officers who beat citizens on the street are reinstated... The ones who committed feminicides and rapists are detained/ arrested to be released right afterwards... I wish a happy Peace Day to everyone who wages a democratic and multivocal Turkey and the world without wars..." (RT/SD)
