Turkish Cyprus mark 48th Anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation
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North Nicosia, The Gulf Observer: TRNC President Ersin Tatar stated that they, as the Turkish Cypriot side, are in favor of a fair, permanent, and sustainable agreement through negotiation in Cyprus and said, “For this, the sovereign equality and equal international status of the two parties must be accepted.”
Noting that he presented the solution proposal at the 5+UN informal meeting held in Geneva upon the invitation of the UN Secretary-General, Tatar said, “This has been the beginning of a new era. At this point, our expectation from other countries, especially the UN and the EU; as a requirement of our acquired equality, they should warn the Greek Cypriot side and force them to confirm our sovereign equality and our equal international status.”
The 48th anniversary events started with the laying of wreaths at the Atatürk Monument by TRNC President Ersin Tatar and Turkey’s Vice President Fuat Oktay in the Turkish Cypriot capital Lefkoşa (Nicosia).
In his speech at the ceremony held at the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard on 20th July 2022, Tatar said that they were happy and honored to realize with great enthusiasm and excitement the 48th anniversary of the 20th July 1974 Peace Operation that brought the Turkish Cypriot people to enlightenment, freedom, and independence. President Tatar pointed out that the 20th of July Peace and Freedom Day is the noblest proof that the Turkish Cypriots can withstand all kinds of difficulties, shoulder to shoulder with the Türkiye.
Stressing that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which they established with great struggle and difficulty, is a source of pride, Tatar said, “On this blessed anniversary, I commemorate our leader of the struggle for freedom and independence Dr. Fazıl Küçük and our Founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş, and then Turkish Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit and Deputy Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan with mercy, gratitude, and condolences.”
Congratulatory message from Turkish President Erdoğan to President Tatar
- In his message, Turkish President Erdoğan stated that it will be possible to achieve a just, lasting and sustainable resolution in Cyprus only within a framework based on the facts on the ground and added With this understanding, I would like to reiterate that we fully support your vision for peace presented in Geneva last year and aimed at primarily acknowledging the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people which will be followed by the discussions to be held between the two states for cooperation models.
- Erdoğan also added that Türkiye will not stand by as the Turkish Cypriot people remain the victims of the deadlock. 20th July Peace and Freedom Day The 48th Anniversary of 20th July Peace and Freedom Day was celebrated with ceremonies held yesterday. Ceremonies were held at cemeteries and monuments within the framework of the celebrations.
During the ceremonies, memorial books were signed, flags were hoisted accompanied by the National Anthem, and wreaths were laid on monuments. The ceremony, which started with the speeches of President Ersin Tatar and Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay at Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard, ended with a parade.
