Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly, Zorlu Töre, stated that Cyprus would have become a Greek island if it were not for the July 20 Turkish Peace Operation.

Speaking on a program this morning on BRT, Töre highlighted that while the Greek Cypriots had taken over the 1960 Republic of Cyprus, they had not been able to seize all the territory of Cyprus.

Emphasizing the importance of continuing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as an independent Turkish state, Töre said, “The guarantee of Türkiye and the presence of Turkish soldiers in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are indispensable for us.”

He pointed out that the Greek Cypriots had seen the 1960 Republic of Cyprus as a stepping stone for ENOSIS (union with Greece), occupying it through the force of arms and unleashing a campaign of violence and ethnic cleansing against Turkish Cypriots on December 1963, known in history as “Bloody Christmas”.

Töre said that UN peacekeepers who had been stationed on the island as of 1964 failed to stop the Greek Cypriot attacks against Turkish Cypriots.

“On the morning of July 20th, Turkish Forces landed on the island carrying out a timely intervention. They should never leave,” he added.

Regarding efforts to reach a settlement on the island, the TRNC Parliamentary Speaker pointed out that it was not possible to achieve anything with a federal state.

He mentioned that many agreements related to Cyprus had emerged throughout the past 50 years, the latest being the Annan Plan, which the Greek Cypriots rejected, indicating no change in their mentality.

Töre underlined the indispensability of Türkiye’s guarantees and the presence of Turkish troops in the TRNC.

He emphasized the need for the equality of Turkish Cypriots to be recognized before any negotiations.

Töre stated that they would never accept the abolition of the TRNC or the withdrawal of Turkish soldiers from Cyprus, even if there were to be an agreement.

He condemned those who view Turkish soldiers as occupiers.

Highlighting the geopolitical significance of Cyprus for Türkiye, Töre said, “Cyprus plays an important role in the Middle East. Türkiye has the largest coastline in the Eastern Mediterranean. The existence of the TRNC provides breathing space for Türkiye in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

He pointed out that despite 146 countries recognizing Palestine, the bloodshed there has not stopped, whereas the only country recognizing the TRNC is Türkiye, and no one can touch the Turkish Cypriot people because of the strength of the Turkish army and Türkiye.

Also ddressing the property issue in Cyprus, Töre suggested that this matter should be resolved through exchange and compensation, warning that individual court cases could lead to more problems.