TRNC will continue to live on forever - Tatar

TRNC President Ersin Tatar has said that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will continue to live on forever despite the obstacles and challenges created for the Turkish Cypriot people by the international community.

Delivering a poignant address at today’s main ceremony in Lefkoşa marking the 50^th anniversary of the 20^th of July, 1974 Turkish Peace Operation, Tatar emphasized the historical and ongoing challenges faced by the Turkish Cypriot people.

On the current political landscape, Tatar criticized the Greek Cypriot leadership’s stance in negotiations, accusing them of maintaining a hegemonic and imposing attitude.

“Our goal has always been a fair, lasting, and sustainable agreement for the benefit of Cyprus and the region. However, the unchanged Greek Cypriot mentality has led to the failure of all negotiation processes,” he asserted.

In his speech at the main ceremony at the Dr Fazıl Küçük Boulevard in Lefkoşa, President Ersin Tatar underscored the historical injustices and violence inflicted upon Turkish Cypriots by Greek Cypriots, highlighting the significant events that have shaped the current geopolitical landscape of the island.

Tatar began by recounting the events of 21 December 1963, known as “Bloody Christmas,” when Greek Cypriots implemented the Akritas plan, aimed at exterminating Turkish Cypriots.

“The Greek Cypriot leadership tried to exclude Turkish Cypriots from the 1960 Republic of Cyprus by force, using it as a springboard for Enosis,” Tatar stated.

He noted that this plan led to the destruction of 103 Turkish villages, displacing numerous Turkish Cypriots.

“For eleven years, Turkish Cypriots endured severe hardship, living in refugee tents under dire conditions. Despite hunger and poverty, they remained resilient and refused to submit. Our people lived with dignity, fighting to maintain the honour and pride of their Turkish identity,” Tatar said.

Tatar criticized the United Nations Security Council’s Resolution 186 from 4 March 1964, which unfairly legitimized the Greek Cypriot administration as the sole government of the island.

“This unjust and illegal status quo continues to be recognized, allowing the Greek Cypriot leadership to act as the sole government of the island,” he emphasized.

Reflecting on the period from 1963 to 1974, Tatar described how Greek Cypriots, alongside the EOKA militia, aimed to annex the island to Greece.

“Their ultimate goal was to annihilate our people and integrate Cyprus into Greece,” he said.

Tatar paid tribute to Turkish Cypriot poet and martyr Süleyman Uluçamgil, who encapsulated the shared struggle of Turkish Cypriots and Anatolian Turks in his verses.

The turning point came with the Turkish intervention on 20 July 1974, which Tatar described as a decisive moment that halted the atrocities committed by Greek Cypriots.

“Türkiye, invoking its rights as a guarantor power under international treaties, initiated the Peace Operation,” Tatar recounted. He recalled the arrival of Turkish troops in Girne and the emotional reunion with the Turkish Cypriot people.

Tatar also reflected on the contributions of Dr. Fazıl Küçük and founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş, whose leadership guided the Turkish Cypriots towards freedom and independence.

“Their legacy lights our path, inspired by the principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,” he stated.

On the current political landscape, Tatar criticized the Greek Cypriot leadership’s stance in negotiations, accusing them of maintaining a hegemonic and imposing attitude.

“Our goal has always been a fair, lasting, and sustainable agreement for the benefit of Cyprus and the region. However, the unchanged Greek Cypriot mentality has led to the failure of all negotiation processes,” he asserted.

Tatar firmly rejected the notion of a federal solution that would position Turkish Cypriots as a minority and eliminate Türkiye’s guarantorship and military presence.

“We cannot accept any solution that seeks to abolish our state and sovereignty,” he declared.

He also condemned the continued embargoes and isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots, labelling them as inhumane and unacceptable in today’s world.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the TRNC, Tatar pointed to recent developments, including agreements between the Greek Cypriot administration and other countries to establish military bases, which he argued jeopardize regional security. “These historical mistakes have made South Cyprus a target for major organizations,” he warned.

Tatar expressed gratitude for the support from Türkiye, particularly during critical moments in history.

“We are working tirelessly to strengthen and promote the TRNC with Türkiye’s support,” he affirmed.

Concluding his address, Tatar acknowledged the sacrifices of Turkish Cypriots and paid homage to the martyrs and veterans who fought for their cause.

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Peace Operation, we remember our leaders, our heroes, and the unwavering support of Türkiye,” he said.

BRTK