Former Turkish state minister laid to rest

By Muhammed Ali Toruntay

ANKARA (AA) - Hasan Celal Guzel, a former Turkish state minister who passed away on Monday at age 73, was laid to rest in Ankara on Tuesday.

Guzel was buried in the Golbasi Cemetery after funeral prayers at Haci Bayram Mosque, a landmark in the Turkish capital.

Attending his funeral were Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul, former Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek, former ministers, deputies, Guzel's family, and throngs of people.

After his burial, Guzel's family received condolences.

Guzel was in the capital Ankara undergoing treatment for pulmonary infection and a bowel disorder when he passed away.

Born in southeastern Gaziantep, Guzel was elected to parliament in 1986 from the Motherland Party (ANAP). He variously served as minister of state, education minister, and youth and sports minister.