Ceremony of 4th Personal Disarmament News Article Award Contest The Role of Media in Personal Disarmament

28 September 1998
Dedeman Istanbul Hotel

Nazire Dedeman
Founder President of Umut Foundation
Speech Text

 
Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends,

Today is 28 September, Personal Disarmament Day.  Welcome!

The 4th activity The Umut Foundation organized on this topic “Search Conference on the Role of Media on Personal Disarmament” was held this afternoon.

Our distinguished speakers Mr. Ali Karan Orbay, Member of Directorate General for Arms Control and Disarmament of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Richard Aborn from the USA, President of  “Center To Prevent Handgun Violence” Mr. Randy Marshall, the President of “Gun Control Australia Mrs. Jill Marshall Andrews, chair of the “Gun Control Network” in the UK have told us about their experiences in their speeches. I would like to thank all of them.

Distinguished members of our media have made valuable contributions in “Searching, Questioning and Evaluation” Section. I would like to thank them very much.

I hereby would like to emphasize the fact that we are leaving the matter in their hands. As I said during the conference, together we discussed and explored the solution for the personal armament problem, which is not so simple, here today. Like Friedrich Nietzche said “Where there is a will there is a way.” I think we are on the way. I would like to thank all members of the media who examined this subject  and lead the way once more.

I sincerely would like to than Dear Prof. Dr. İpek Gürkaynak in charge of Training at our Foundation, who presented the Searching, Questioning and Evaluation in her soft manner.

I would like to thank dear Sibel Savacı, who made the introduction today and never spared any effort in out works,  Aynur, my Assistant, Tuğçe, our PR Coordinator, Zuhal Orhun, who spared no effort and everyone who contributed. 

I would like to congratulate all the members of the media one by one, who are about to receive an award here today with their valuable work on personal disarmament. I know the media has most important role in correctly informing the public and guiding the state and the citizens in this subject. I would like act in collaboration with you.  For a fair life with no violence…

I would like to invite to dear Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gürkaryak, who realized this project just like all the project of the Umut Foundation and established the Biga Branch of our Foundation, “Gürkaynak Citizenship Institute” over here. My dear friend, who never spared his experience, effort and heart from me and from us.

Before the award ceremony, I would like to thank him in the presence of all of you. Once again, we would like to welcome you all!

With hope for tomorrow!