The leader of Türkiye’s Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahçeli, has emphatically stated the necessity of international recognition for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Speaking on the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, Bahçeli expressed his firm belief that the TRNC would be recognized globally when the appropriate time comes.
Bahçeli criticized the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) Özgür Özel for proposing a return to federation negotiations in Cyprus, dismissing this stance as a “discordant voice.”
During a press conference at the MHP headquarters, Bahçeli commented on the Cyprus Peace Operation, condemning the atrocities and oppression faced by Turkish Cypriots.
He praised Türkiye for not succumbing to injustice and for supporting its kin in Cyprus.
Highlighting the significance of July 20, 1974, when the tears of Turkish Cypriots were wiped away, Bahçeli lambasted Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias for calling the 50th anniversary celebrations “festivals of shame.”
He labelled Dendias’ remarks as the ravings of an occupier and the miscalculations of a shameless individual.
Bahçeli emphasized Türkiye’s unwavering support for Turkish Cypriots, accusing the Greek Cypriot side of consistently sabotaging peace efforts.
He condemned the CHP leader’s suggestion of returning to federation talks and the EU accession process as aiding the Greeks and characterized it as a “discordant voice” and a regrettable misstep.
“There are two peoples with equal rights in Cyprus and two sovereign states,” Bahçeli asserted.
He also highlighted the importance of the resolution passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) on Cyprus, describing it as historically significant.
Bahçeli reiterated his support for TRNC President Ersin Tatar’s vision of a two-state solution, declaring that all other options are off the table.
He called for the international community to end the illegal and inhumane isolation of Turkish Cypriots, asserting that the TRNC must be recognized.
“Built on peace and freedom, the TRNC will one day be globally recognized as an equal and independent member of the international community,” Bahçeli stated.
“Türkiye stands ready and determined to support the TRNC in both joy and sorrow, fostering a shared future.”
Bahçeli pointed out that a refusal to negotiate the interests and equal sovereign rights of the two peoples on the island undermines peace efforts.
He emphasized that the tranquillity of Cyprus equates to the stability of the Eastern Mediterranean, advocating for the just and lawful sharing of the region’s potential underwater resources.
“The prosperity of Cyprus means the rise and recovery of the region. Regardless of the circumstances, Türkiye will maintain its strong solidarity with the TRNC, safeguarding the bridges of friendship and brotherhood,” Bahçeli concluded.
Reaffirming the enduring legacy of July 20, 1974, Bahçeli declared, “There is no place for those who claim rights over the entirety of Cyprus. Our historic decision and message remain: Cyprus is Turkish, it is the homeland of Turks, and it will always remain so.”