Türkiye condemns EOKA anniversary rhetoric

The Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Türkiye issued a statement addressing the remarks and activities held by the Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus to mark the anniversary of EOKA’s founding.

The Ministry stated that portraying EOKA’s past acts of violence on the island as a “freedom struggle” through one-sided and distorted narratives undermines ongoing efforts toward a lasting settlement and harms the current climate of stability.

Speaking following a weekly press briefing held aboard the TCG Anadolu as part of the Blue Homeland-2026 Exercise, the Turkish Ministry of Defence officials responded to questions.

The Ministry stated that presenting the violent acts carried out by the EOKA organization on the island in the past through one-sided and distorted narratives as a “freedom struggle” damages ongoing efforts for a permanent solution and the current climate of stability.

It added that the statements and events marking the anniversary clearly demonstrate that historical facts continue to be misrepresented.

According to the statement, conveying such distorted narratives to children and young people in the Greek Cypriot side weakens the foundation for mutual dialogue and understanding on the island.

The Ministry also pointed to recent provocative actions against civilians in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, describing them as reflections of the same mindset.

The Ministry stressed that Turkish Cypriot side continues, as always, to maintain a constructive and good-faith approach aimed at achieving a fair, lasting, and sustainable solution.

It also underscored that all necessary measures would be taken decisively against any threats or acts of violence targeting the security of Turkish Cypriots and the sovereignty of the TRNC.

Finally, the statement emphasized the importance of avoiding initiatives that could escalate tensions and of preserving the peace and stability established following the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation.