Unfortunately, due to the current circumstances, I would have liked to talk to you about economic development and the projects we are undertaking based on our mission and vision. However, the ongoing situation has regrettably pushed financial analyses into the background, and the cries of oppressed people have shaken us to our core. Today, witnessing the massacres perpetrated by the coup administration that seized power in our brotherly Egypt, a country we are historically connected to, makes us realize once again how crucial it is to preserve the democratic gains achieved for a nation. The ruthless actions of the administration that arbitrarily removed the first democratically elected president in the history of Egypt and disregarded the people’s votes will undoubtedly be deeply questioned in the pages of history. The attitudes of the so-called advanced democracies in the West, turning a blind eye to the brutal actions of these savage individuals, will certainly not be forgotten.
As an individual from a country that has been able to achieve democracy through decades of great sacrifices and relentless struggle, having watched this film in Bosnia and many other geographies, it brings a sense of sadness and discouragement. Nevertheless, despite everything, I still hope for justice and equality to prevail in the world, and I wish for the immediate cessation of the injustices being committed.
As you know, Egypt is not a country that can be considered in isolation. Given the sensitivity of the region it is located in, the size of the country in terms of population and geography, and its strategic position and importance, it is likely that these events will have an impact on the entire Middle East. Although the pluralism that started with the Arab Spring in Tunisia and spread to neighboring countries seems to have suffered a setback, the awakening and shaking off of people who have lived under puppet administrations disconnected from their people for many years will continue in some way. The events we have witnessed in the last few years have shown us that people’s will is now manifesting itself under any circumstances, breaking down barriers like a flood, even if it means overcoming them with injured hands. Delays, postponements, or pressures may occur, but justice is finding its way, and people are somehow reclaiming their democratic rights.
I hope and wish that the oppression Egypt is facing will come to an end soon, and the will of the Egyptians will prevail throughout the country. Brother Egypt, one of the ancient countries in the region, will become the backbone of this geography, transforming into a zone of peace, brotherhood, and stability. I hope that democracy triumphs in all other countries that have been fiercely fighting for it, and brotherhood prevails. People in this region, connected by historical, cultural, and brotherly bonds, embrace each other just like before, and tolerance and understanding are intricately woven into every inch of this land. The pain and oppression experienced for many years come to an end, peace and tranquility come to the lands irrigated with the blood of martyrs. The bitter tears of mothers and orphans cease, and the branches of the brotherhood tree cast shadows of peace and tranquility over all the people of the region.
Ending my words with the hope of the goodness and love-filled tomorrows, I wish that the symbolic significance of the World Peace Day celebrated in September goes beyond symbolism and contributes to the cessation of the pains experienced in different parts of the world. I offer my respects.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca.
