The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is 40 years old and celebrations to mark Republic Day began with an address to the nation by President Ersin Tatar and a 21-gun salute marking the official start of the celebrations.

In his address to the nation on Bayrak Radio Television, President Ersin Tatar stated that the TRNC continues to progress despite embargoes and pressures, with its democratic institutions and commitment to the existence of two separate, equal states.

He expressed concerns over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and emphasized the determination to protect the TRNC’s rights in the Eastern Mediterranean alongside Türkiye.

Stating that 120 thousand Turkish Cypriots lived under siege in ghettos corresponding to three and a half percent of the whole of Cyprus until 1974, Tatar said, “While the whole world was watching this atrocity, thank God we had the guarantor, Motherland Türkiye by our side, and the Turkish Red Crescent, which provided all kinds of aid besides medicine, food and clothing. Otherwise, it would not have been possible for us to continue the resistance”.

He said that while looking at the wars in Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas it is hard not to remember what was experienced in the past.

Reminding that the Autonomous Turkish Cypriot Administration and the Turkish Cypriot Federated State was established in 1975 after the July 20, 1974 Peace Operation that brought freedom to the people and peace to the whole Cyprus, President Tatar said that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was established on November 15, 1983 based on the free will of the Turkish Cypriot people who exercised their right to self-determination.

He stated that in the negotiation processes that started in 1968 and continued for many years, the Greek Cypriot side has always acted negatively and maintained its dominating and imposing attitude.

Tatar said, “The Greek Cypriot side and some imperialist powers continued to impose a solution based on a federal basis, aiming to remove the guarantor of Motherland Türkiye, to remove the Turkish military from Cyprus, to destroy our state and sovereignty and to reduce our people to a minority. Of course, it was not possible for us to accept these. We resisted and continue to resist against them today”.

Pointing out that the Annan Plan referendum and the events during the Crans Montana talks once again showed that a solution based on a federal basis is not possible; Tatar noted that there is still no meaning and validity in talking about a solution based on a federal basis.

Stating that in the 2020 presidential election process his proposal for a solution based on the existence of two sovereign equal separate states received great support from the public, Tatar said that this attitude, supported by Motherland Türkiye continues today.

Referring to the historic speeches of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the 77th and 78th General Assembly meetings of the UN, in which he called on the countries of the world to “recognize the TRNC and end the oppressive embargoes” Tatar said that this action gave great strength to the new policies.

Pointing out that the acceptance of the TRNC as an observer member with its Constitutional name at the 9th Summit of Leaders of the Organization of Turkic States, Tatar said that this was a milestone achievement.

“I am sure that new achievements await us and we will reach our goal while walking with determination on the path we have determined. In the meantime, on behalf of myself and my people, I would like to thank President Erdoğan for helping us achieve these great successes” said Tatar.

Stating that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is moving forward day by day despite all embargoes and pressures and that it has reached a proud modern structure based on democracy and the will of the people with all its institutions Tatar emphasized “it is our duty to protect and develop all these values”.

Also touching upon the great loss and pains experienced by both motherland Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriots due to the earthquake on February 6th, Tatar said that while trying to keep the memories of the champion angels alive, he has been closely following the judicial process from day one.

At the end of his speech, President Tatar once again addressed the world on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye and the 40th anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

“We will not give up our state, which we established at a great cost, our sovereignty, guarantee of Motherland Türkiye and the Turkish army. We will not experience the painful and dark days prior to 1974. Let’s not forget that the TRNC belongs to all of us and we will reach bright days together in the future” said Tatar.