President Ersin Tatar on Tuesday marked the 50th anniversary of the “20 July Peace Operation” by remembering the victims of the massacres and condemning the atrocities committed.

“The massacre of innocents is a shame for South Cyprus and the EOKA members. We will never forget our martyrs,” he said.

Receiving members of the Muratağa-Atlılar-Sandallar Martyrs’ Association, led by Chairman Ahmet Aşır, President Tatar reiterated his commitment to honouring the martyrs. Aşır supported Tatar’s policies and conveyed the association’s request to construct the Atlılar Martyrs Cemetery.

President Tatar, acknowledging the collective suffering of the families, stated, “The atrocities experienced in Muratağa-Atlılar-Sandallar are rare in history. Our state will fulfil its duties towards the martyrs.”

He emphasized the ongoing efforts of the Committee on Missing Persons, which include excavation works and DNA tests to identify and honour each martyr with a proper grave.

Tatar assured that he would personally oversee the construction of the memorial, reinforcing his commitment by stating, “The massacre of innocents is a shame for South Cyprus and the EOKA members. We will never forget our martyrs.”