President Ersin Tatar stated that those criticizing his attendance at the opening of the “Cyprus Peace Operation Park” in Ankara, during a time of crisis in the country, were being disrespectful to the martyrs and veterans of the operation, adding that such criticisms were unacceptable.

Tatar also expressed his pride in the park being named “Cyprus Peace Operation Park.”

President Ersin Tatar responded to those who criticized his participation in the opening of the “Cyprus Peace Operation Park” in Keçiören, Ankara.

Speaking to BRT, the President explained that his visit to Ankara had been planned three months in advance, during which he gave a lecture at a university and participated in the opening of the park.

Stressing the significant meaning of the “Cyprus Peace Operation Park” in one of the most distinguished areas of Ankara, both for Türkiye and for the Turkish Cypriot people, Tatar stated that the park stood as a tribute to Cyprus veterans and martyrs, an expression of the Turkish Cypriots’ independence and freedom, and a part of efforts to promote the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

President Tatar criticized those who belittled or mocked his attendance at such an important event, stating, “I am attending the opening of such a park, and some people downplay the significance of it. They even make a mockery of it, which is something that can never be accepted. These were scheduled events, and as the President of the TRNC, there is nothing more natural than my presence at such an important inauguration.”

Explaining that, as part of the planned schedule, he had to cancel a lecture and an honorary doctorate ceremony at Samsun 19 Mayıs University, a lecture at Karadeniz Technical University in Trabzon, and meetings with civil society organizations, businessmen, and media outlets, he apologized to the people of Samsun and Trabzon for the cancellation of these visits.