Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is Türkiye’s “pride and a part of our soul” during his speech at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the 1974 Turkish Peace Operation.
Speaking at the official parade on Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard, Erdoğan expressed his joy in being in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on this significant day.
Addressing the crowds that gathered at the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard in defiance of the scorching heat to watch the main parade, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a powerful speech, emphasizing Türkiye’s unwavering support for the Turkish Cypriot community and advocating for a two-state solution to the longstanding Cyprus conflict.
“Exactly 50 years ago today, the heroic Turkish troops took a historic step to remove the dagger aimed at the independence of the Turkish Cypriots,” Erdoğan began, recalling the significant intervention by Turkish forces in 1974 that marked the beginning of a new era for Turkish Cypriots.
Erdoğan highlighted the global impact of the Cyprus Peace Operation, stating, “On that day, we showed the entire world that the Turkish Cypriots were not alone and would never be left alone.”
He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to the Turkish Cypriot cause, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and support.
Erdoğan also emphasized that “you cannot step into the same river twice” and that ignoring the realities on the island leads nowhere.
He reiterated Türkiye’s belief that a federal solution in Cyprus is not feasible and that any resolution must recognize the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriots.
Addressing the youth of the TRNC, Erdoğan announced a decision effective from July: TRNC students will now be subject to the same tuition fees and contribution payments as students from Türkiye.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Cyprus Peace Operation, Erdoğan recalled the bravery of Turkish soldiers and paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans, congratulating everyone on the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day.
He highlighted the enduring unity between Türkiye and the TRNC, stating that their close relationship demonstrates the importance placed on the Cyprus cause.
Erdoğan stressed the importance of the solidarity shown in national matters and declared that they were there to reaffirm historical truths.
“July 20 is the date we acted with the responsibility history placed on our shoulders. On that day, we showed the world that Turkish Cypriots are not alone and will never be left alone. The sun that rose on July 20 brought freedom to Turkish Cypriots,” Erdoğan said.
He also underscored that the July 20, celebrated as a holiday, symbolizes the preservation of Turkish Cypriots’ sovereignty and equal status.
Erdoğan criticized the Greek Cypriots for their unwillingness to share political power, natural resources, and economic prosperity on the island.
President Erdoğan addressed the inefficacy of alternatives to the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), stating that those seeking other solutions are deeply mistaken.
He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to preventing any unilateral actions and ensuring that Turkish Cypriots do not succumb to pressure.
Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s efforts to implement a two-state solution, highlighting the participation of TRNC President Ersin Tatar in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) meetings in Shusha as a significant indicator of progress.
Erdoğan assured that cooperation between Türkiye and the TRNC would continue to grow, stating, “We will continue our efforts to break the unjust isolation and embargoes imposed on Turkish Cypriots. We provide full support for the implementation of every item in the 2024 economic and financial cooperation agreement. From transportation to agriculture, tourism to security, we stand by the Turkish Cypriots and support them.”
Concluding his speech, Erdoğan extended his best wishes for the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day to the Turkish Cypriot people, expressing his respect and love for all those working towards a free, independent, secure, and peaceful TRNC.