In a poignant ceremony held at the Çınarlı Martyrs’ Memorial and Atatürk Bust, President Ersin Tatar emphasized the undeniable reality of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Speaking at the event commemorating the Çınarlı Martyrs, President Tatar highlighted the ongoing struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Despite challenges in international recognition, he stated that the entire world acknowledges the existence of two separate states, peoples, and democracies in Cyprus.
The ceremony, held on Sunday in remembrance of the Çınarlı Martyrs, saw the attendance of numerous dignitaries, including President Ersin Tatar, Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre, and several military and civilian officials.
During the event, Hıfsiye Poyraz recited the poem “Çınarlı Martyrs,” and Emete Bektaş, President of the Çınarlı Lovers Association, delivered a brief speech.
Bektaş reminded the attendees that the village of Çınarlı had sacrificed eight martyrs and expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the establishment of the martyrs’ memorial.
President Tatar began his speech with a heartfelt declaration: “We neither forget our martyrs nor let them be forgotten; we owe these days to them.”
He reiterated that the struggle of the Turkish Cypriots continues, as they still face international embargoes and isolations.
Tatar pointed out that the Turkish Cypriots are confronted with imposed solutions that threaten to end Türkiye’s guarantor status and withdraw Turkish troops from the island.
Tatar asserted that with the support of Motherland Türkiye, the TRNC would endure forever.
He stressed that any agreement must include the TRNC as a part of it.
Highlighting the importance of Türkiye’s support in preventing a return to the pre-1974 conditions, Tatar emphasized the necessity of recognizing two states, sovereign equality, and equal international status in any potential negotiations.
In his speech, President Tatar also reminded the audience of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Turkish Peace Operation, stating that July 20th holds significant importance for the Turkish Cypriot community.
He reaffirmed that the TRNC is an accepted reality worldwide, despite some recognition challenges, and reiterated the existence of two separate states, peoples, and democracies in Cyprus.