President Tatar: “We are experiencing the joy of celebrating the 51st anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation”

President Ersin Tatar addressed the main parade on Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard within the framework of the 51st Anniversary of 20th July Peace and Freedom Day. Tatar highlighted that they are celebrating with great joy the 51st anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, a historic milestone for the Turkish Cypriot people.

In his speech, President Tatar reaffirmed his commitment to representing the TRNC on every diplomatic platform and promoting a two-state solution approach by defending the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Despite the Greek Cypriot side’s negative response to all cooperation and dialogue proposals, Tatar emphasized that they would persistently demand comprehensive cooperation proposals that would benefit both sides, especially on vital issues like water and energy, and lifting of unjust restrictions.

Tatar continued: “The events that began in December 1963, known as ‘Bloody Christmas’, are among the most shameful pages of history. These bloody attacks aimed at uniting Cyprus with Greece resulted in the death of hundreds of our people, forced them to flee from 103 villages, and the forced living conditions in tents. The world remained silent to this cruelty, leaving the Turkish Cypriot people alone. On July 15, 1974, the aim of the bloody coup carried out by the Greek Junta and its fascist extensions in Cyprus was to annihilate the Turkish Cypriot people through genocide, as happened in Crete. The Cyprus Peace Operation took place under these historic conditions.”

President Ersin Tatar reiterated that the negotiations since 1968 have failed to produce any lasting results and that a new political approach should be introduced. Tatar noted that the Greek Cypriot side has long exploited the comfort of international recognition as the so-called ‘Republic of Cyprus’ to delay progress, while continuing to enforce the isolation and embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people, “Every single individual of our people has been a target of these unjust and illegal isolation and embargoes” he said.

Furthermore, Tatar stated; ”  Despite the Greek Cypriot side’s rejection of the Annan Plan, they were admitted to the European Union but left the table during the talks held in Crans-Montana in 2017. The Greek Cypriot Administration has consistently attempted to deceive us by dragging out the solution process, falsely believing that our national will would weaken over time, and persisting in this strategy of delay. Four years ago, I stated for the first time in Geneva that a new negotiation process could only begin with the recognition of our sovereign equality and equal international status. We will continue to demand our rights under the three D’s: Direct Flights, Direct Trade, and Direct Contact.”