Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that a federal solution to the Cyprus problem was no longer possible and called on the international community to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Erdoğan’s word’s came during his speech at the main ceremony held at the Dr Fazıl Küçük Boulevard in Lefkoşa to mark the 49th Anniversary of 20th July operation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his happiness to be in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on the 49th Anniversary of 20th July operation and paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for independence and future.
Stressing the importance of the younger generations growing up with a strong sense of history, he reminded that between 1963 and 1974, supporters of ENOSIS caused unrest and disrupted peace on the island, inflicting suffering on the Turkish Cypriots.
“We have witnessed terrible massacres on these beautiful lands,” Erdoğan said and highlighted that all kinds of oppression were committed, but the Turkish nation never bowed to tyrants. The Turkish Cypriots, whom they wanted to annihilate, are now living under their own flag, with confidence and hope,” he said.
Stressing that on the day when the Turkish soldiers set foot on the island on July 20 , it was shown to the whole world that the Turkish Cypriot people were never alone and could not be subjected to subjugation, Erdoğan pointed out that South Cyprus was still mentally disconnected from reality, and the new Greek Cypriot leader posed under the flag of EOKA, signifying the persistence of such attitudes.
Expressing that EOKA tried to hide its actions from the world by opposing the identification of buried innocent people, he stated that they would not allow the world to forget the massacres committed on these lands.
Pointing out that the reason for the lack of results in the negotiations was due to this issue, Erdoğan said, “Despite knowing about the oppression, we sincerely sought ways for a resolution.”
Stressing that they desired a just and sustainable solution, the Turkish President said that it was essential to understand that a federal solution based on the realities on the island is not possible if the equality of the Turkish Cypriots is not recognized.
Erdoğan noted that the Greek Cypriot side did not accept the fact that the Turkish Cypriots are an equal and sovereign separate people, and stated that they will continue their efforts to secure the equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots.
Regarding isolation and embargoes, Turkish President Erdoğan asserted that the struggle against them will continue.
Reminding that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) had embraced the legal name of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, he said more support will come in the future.
Erdoğan also stressed that it was impossible to ignore the existence of the Turkish Cypriots in the world.
“Stop turning your back on the realities; recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as soon as possible,” Erdoğan said and stressed that their support will continue to grow and that the New Ercan Airport terminal was a symbol of this commitment.
Expressing that the new terminal will make the TRNC an attractive hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, he also paid tribute to the martyrs, the fighters, and Dr. Küçük and Rauf Denktaş, with deep respect.
Erdoğan also commemorated the Champion Angels who lost their lives in the earthquake.
(Source: BRT)
By BRT