Defense Minister rules out this year’s Victory Day ceremonies

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Official Aug. 30 Victory Day ceremonies will not be held this year, Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Işık has confirmed, citing the current “extraordinary process” in the country.

Attending a program on CNN Türk on Aug. 1, Işık said the celebrations would not take place this year for the national holiday. 

“Turkey is going through an extraordinary process. We have gone through a coup attempt altogether. Now when there is a fear among the people and when this trauma has not passed yet, things like ‘we will have parade ceremonies’ are not necessary, I think,” said Işık.