Governor Koçak Meets with Romani People
Elazığ Governor Ömer Faruk Koçak met with Romani citizens living in Ulukent Neighborhood.
Governor Koçak made statements to İHA reporters after the visit.
Turkish director of Romani origin Elmas Arus, who won the humanitarian aid award organized in the name of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg at the Council of Europe, met with Governor Ömer Faruk Koçak and Romani citizens in Elazığ, where she came to contribute to social risk map studies. Governor Koçak and Arus met with Romani citizens living on Erdemli Street in Ulukent Neighborhood, listened to the problems and exchanged ideas on solutions. Romani citizens Nurettin and Fevzi Eser stated that their most important problem was unemployment and asked Governor Koçak for help on this issue. Governor Koçak also stated that they would do what was necessary to solve the problems and said that the model they created in Elazığ would be an example.
After the visit, Governor Koçak made statements to the İHA reporter, noting that they had initiated a project regarding disadvantaged groups within the scope of social risk map studies, and expressed his belief that solving the problems of these groups would also contribute to social peace. Governor Koçak then made evaluations on the agenda and stated that negotiations with the National Education Directorate were ongoing regarding the opening of a Tourism High School in place of the old Yimpaş building.
Speaking about the meeting held at the Ministry of Interior regarding the upcoming local elections, Governor Koçak said, “Our aim is for the elections to be held in peace and security, and for the citizens’ will to be reflected in the ballot box without any intervention. We had previously held a meeting with district governors and our security chiefs regarding this matter. We discussed the preparations to be made at the meeting held under the chairmanship of the Ministry of Interior and attended by 81 provincial governors. The decision of our state and government on this issue is aimed at eliminating the elements that may hinder the citizens’ free will. We will hold another meeting with our district governors on Thursday. We will also come together with the provincial chairmen and mayoral candidates of the political parties to ensure that the elections are held in peace.”
“WE WILL ELIMINATE BEGGING IN ELAZIĞ”
Governor Koçak, who also evaluated the work done for Syrians who settled in Elazığ after escaping the civil war in their country, stated that they continue to support Syrians in every field.
Governor Koçak said, “There will be no begging in Elazığ. I have specifically instructed the security forces. Those who beg will not be allowed. If people are begging because they are hungry, it is our duty to meet all their needs. We will remove this issue from the agenda in a short time.”
04.02.2014
