President Ersin Tatar, who was in Türkiye for various contacts, delivered important messages regarding the Cyprus issue.
Stressing that the Cyprus Peace Operation brought freedom to the Turkish Cypriots, Tatar underlined that the greatest achievement was the establishment of an independent Turkish state in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Having completed his engagements in Türkiye, President Tatar returned to the republic on Sunday night.
President Ersin Tatar attended an event held at the Harbiye Military Museum on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation.
In his speech, the President stated that he had been working on behalf of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), saying, “I am working to promote the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”
Reminding that South Cyprus, Greece, the European Union, and some countries imposed unfair embargoes, isolation, and restrictions on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Tatar stressed that the Republic of Türkiye had always stood behind the Turkish Cypriots.
Pointing out that Turkish Cypriots were an inseparable and integral part of the great Turkish Nation, he noted that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus had taken its place in the Organization of Turkic States.
Describing how EOKA and terrorists carried out attacks and massacres aimed at exterminating Turkish Cypriots in an effort to unite the island with Greece, the President noted that, through the resistance of the fighters and the struggle of the people, the Turkish Resistance Organization was established.
Stressing that with the support of flag bearers and standard-bearers from the Republic of Türkiye, a fight for freedom and survival was waged, Tatar honoured Major General Daniş Karabelen, one of the founders of the Turkish Resistance Organization, and Colonel Ali Rıza Vuruşkan, and expressed gratitude to retired Major General Cumhur Evcil for his contributions.
Tatar also highlighted that the Cyprus Peace Operation brought freedom to Turkish Cypriots, with the greatest achievement being the establishment of an independent Turkish state in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He added that, with the full support of Türkiye, efforts are underway to promote the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, affirm the independence and freedom of Turkish Cypriots, and counter the Greek-Greek Cypriot duo and some opposition groups.
Stating that the federation option was off the table and that a new national policy had been established for Cyprus, Tatar said that they sought a two-state agreement and that official, new negotiations would not begin until sovereign equality and equal international status are recognized.
Explaining that they did not accept a unitary structure where the majority governs the minority, the end of Türkiye’s guarantee, or the withdrawal of its military presence, especially since Türkiye is not part of the European Union, the President stressed that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will be a part of any agreement.
Tatar added that efforts will continue, with the support of the Republic of Türkiye, to strengthen the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus economically and socially, and that they will act together to safeguard national interests in the Blue and Sky Homeland.
Noting that the upcoming days will mark the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye by the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, he expressed that the achievements Türkiye will make in its second century would also reflect positively on Turkish Cypriots.
In his speech, President Tatar also condemned the terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), wished mercy upon the martyrs, and extended speedy recovery wishes to the injured.