Prime Minister Üstel condemns ‘revival of EOKA mentality’ and ‘burning of flags’

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel strongly condemned the dangerous revival of the EOKA mentality in South Cyprus, as well as the burning of the flags of the Republic of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

According to a statement released by the Prime Ministry, Üstel emphasized that recent developments in Greek Cypriot administration clearly demonstrate attempts to revive a dangerous mentality that targets peace, stability and tranquility on the island.

Üstel noted that portraying the crimes against humanity committed by the EOKA terrorist organization as “heroism” not only distorts historical facts but also constitutes a systematic incitement of hatred and hostility. He further underlined that the open endorsement of such an understanding by the Greek Cypriot administration, as well as by certain political and religious figures in the international community is utterly unacceptable.

Üstel stated; “The rhetoric and discourse employed by Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church, Yeorgios,  some Greek Cypriot politicians and certain international figures who have adopted to this mindset does not serve peace but rather fuels conflict on the island. Such hate speech fuels hostility among younger generations and places at risk the peaceful and stable future that our island deserves.”

Highlighting that the burning of the flags of Türkiye and the TRNC by Greek Cypriot youth during Easter events goes beyond mere provocation, Üstel reiterated that these acts are clearly demonstrates disrespect, hostility and animosity toward the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people.