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Event: Roma Workshop 14/12/2009

The Roma workshop took place on Thursday, December 12 2009 in Conrad Hotel with a participation of about 120 people from the Rom and Dom associations and representatives form the parliament; the state minister Faruk Celik, Bursa deputy Ali Koyuncu and Istanbul deputy Nursuna Memecan. The workshop attracted a great public interest.

Many attendees from the member societies associated with Federation of Rom Associations, Federation of Aegean Rom Associations, Federation of Mediterranean Rom Associations and Federation of Thrace Rom Associations and independent associations were present at the meeting. Contributions from other independent societies and individuals practicing related issues were also received during the workshop. The workshop was held close to the media. On the first session, all associations were asked to present themselves. The presentations covered perspectives and solution proposals from different groups. Occasional arguments on alternative solutions and views occurred during the session.

The second session was initiated with Faruk Celik’s presentation. The state minister highlighted that Roma are one of the most disadvantaged group among all others and that the government cannot remain inactive on these issues. During the session regional Dom and Rom associations reported the concerns and issues from their domain.

At the end of the meeting, Fahrettin Savci, the chairman of the Federation of Thrace Rom Associations gave a broom with a mirror to the state minister Faruk Celik. According to the Rom customs, the broom with a mirror is believed to sweep the badness. Faruk Celik, receiving presents consisting of a Roma music CD and a large size Turkish flag with an Ataturk portrait expressed his gratitude for the presents and said “ We will sweep the badness all together”. The workshop was finalized by the election of a representation committee from the members of the federations and associations that will coordinate the future work.