TC Scout leader represents Turkey, TRNC in global gathering in London

VETERAN Turkish Cypriot Scout leader Celal İzcibayar has represented Turkey and the TRNC at a global gathering in London.

Mr İzcibayar joined more than 4,000 other Scout leaders for the worldwide movement’s 92nd annual meeting and general assembly at Gilwell Park, a key Scout campsite and activity centre in Epping Forest, near Chingford.

Attending on behalf of both North Cyprus and Turkey, for which he is the movement’s UK representative, the UK Turkish Scouting founder and president visited stands set up by Scouts from various countries, offering them traditional sweetmeats including Turkish delight, dolma and pastries.

He established contacts with representatives including those from Pakistan, Nigeria, Britain and Denmark, and joined in a dinner thrown by Nigerian Scouts, at which he explained to fellow guests about the embargoes imposed on TRNC Scouts and gave out Turkish and TRNC flags and a special coat of arms he drew up and has had internationally endorsed.

Mr İzcibayar pointed out that the UN had proclaimed the Scout movement educational and called on the TRNC to add it into the school syllabus. He called on North Cyprus authorities to enter into arrangements with Turkey in order to improve Scouting in the country and allow Turkish Cypriot youngsters to take part in international Scout activities.