Yılmaz: “Türkiye will always stand by Turkish Cypriot people”

The Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, emphasized that Türkiye will continue to stand by the Turkish Cypriot people today and tomorrow, just as it did on 20 July 1974 and 15 November 1983.

Speaking at the official parade held on Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard in Lefkoşa as part of the celebrations marking the 42nd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on 15 November, Yılmaz once again underlined Türkiye’s unwavering support for the sovereignty, security and development of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Recalling that the late Founding President Rauf Denktaş declared the independence of the TRNC on 15 November 1983 and announced the freedom will of the Turkish Cypriot people to the world, Yılmaz stressed that the State of the TRNC guarantees that Turkish Cypriots will never renounce their sovereignty or their freedom.

Cevdet Yılmaz stated that the recent developments in the region have once again clearly demonstrated the importance of having an independent state and political equality.

Yılmaz pointed out that they are always willing to cooperate in ways that benefit the entire island, adding, ‘We expect concrete steps to be taken in the areas determined by the United Nations (UN) on the basis of equal political sovereignty.’

Reminding that 62 years have passed since the Greek Cypriot side forcibly abolished the partnership state in 1963, Yılmaz added that the Turkish Cypriot side has demonstrated a sincere desire for a solution in all negotiation processes carried out since 1968.

Yılmaz said “It is clear that the Greek Cypriot side lacks the will to find a solution. They have never been willing to share political power and prosperity on an equal basis with the Turkish Cypriot people, who are co-owners of the island.” He added that the Greek Cypriot leadership’s perception of Turkish Cypriots as a minority deprived of political equality has not changed at all, expressing that this is the reason why a fair, lasting and sustainable solution has not yet been achieved.

Yılmaz stated that that the solution lies in the international community recognizing the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people to sovereign equality and equal international status.

Reminding that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had called for the recognition of the TRNC at the UN General Assembly over the past four years, Yılmaz said “The cause of the Turkish Cypriot people is also our cause”.

Cevdet Yılmaz also noted that the Greek Cypriot side has maintained an attitude of concealing its responsibilities for 60 years and deepening injustices against the Turkish Cypriot people, adding that this approach has been further reinforced over the past 20 years by the transformation of European Union membership into a unilateral political instrument.

Vice President Yılmaz added: “Let everyone know that the cause of the Turkish Cypriot people is our cause as well. We will continue, with determination and tirelessly day and night, to defend our common national cause and to work for the TRNC to attain the position it rightfully deserves.”