Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa, Metin Feyzioğlu, has revealed that letters written by students from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to Cyprus veterans will be sent to Türkiye in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation.

In a recent statement, Feyzioğlu emphasized the significance of the upcoming anniversary and the comprehensive efforts underway to prepare for the commemorations.

He highlighted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s call for unity with opposition parties, including Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel, during the anniversary celebrations as a noteworthy development.

Speaking to journalists during the maritime phase of the Martyr Lieutenant Caner Gönyeli 2024 Search and Rescue Exercise on Wednesday, the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu noted the growing scope of the annual exercise, which now includes international observers.

He praised the collaborative efforts of Türkiye and the TRNC, noting the international recognition of their enhanced capabilities.

Reflecting on the history, Feyzioğlu remarked that peace was established on the island 50 years ago, effectively resolving the Cyprus issue.

He attributed the inception of the problem to Greek Cypriots who, in 1963, forcibly expelled Turkish Cypriots from the jointly established Republic of Cyprus formed under international treaties in 1960.

The Turkish ambassador condemned the Greek Cypriots’ actions and their pursuit of Enosis, which led to the persecution and killing of Turkish Cypriots.

Drawing a parallel with current events in Gaza, Feyzioğlu criticized the international community’s response, asserting that only Türkiye, under President Erdoğan’s leadership, stands firmly against the atrocities without any hidden agenda.

Ambassador Feyzioğlu detailed the plans for the 50th-anniversary celebrations, underscoring President Erdoğan’s keen interest in the events.

He confirmed that rigorous preparations are in place to ensure the commemorations are held with due importance.

As part of the celebrations, Feyzioğlu announced that letters penned by TRNC students to the veterans of the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation will be sent to Türkiye.

He described these letters as heartfelt messages, written independently by the students without any pre-set templates.

“These letters, crafted with sincere emotions, will be sent to our veterans in Türkiye. This 50th anniversary provides an opportunity to rekindle national sentiments and remember our true history,” he said.

In response to a question, Feyzioğlu reiterated the importance of President Erdoğan’s remarks on fostering unity among political parties for the anniversary, highlighting it as a significant gesture of solidarity.