President Ersin Tatar on Thursday expressed pride in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Turkish Peace Operation, hailing it as a historic event which changed the fate of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Tatar was speaking on BRT’s daily news program “Manşet + Özel.”
Speaking to BRT, President Ersin Tatar highlighted that preparations for the 50th-anniversary celebrations have been ongoing for several months both domestically and internationally.
Recalling the Greek Cypriots’ objective of annexing Cyprus to Greece, Tatar noted that the Turkish Cypriot community suffered significant losses among innocent and civilian people, with many still missing.
He emphasized that July 20, 1974, is the most important date for Turkish Cypriots, while July 15, 1974, marks a dark day for Cyprus.
“After July 15, Türkiye had to exercise its right to intervene,” President Tatar stated, mentioning that during the late Turkish Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit’s visit to England, he was warned by the British government.
However, Tatar pointed out that England had underestimated Türkiye’s bond with its compatriots in Cyprus.
Recalling Bülent Ecevit’s words, “We are bringing peace to both Turks and Greeks,” Tatar said, “That is exactly what happened. The 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation also contributed to the region’s stability.”
President Tatar emphasized the significance of the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation and noted that the Turkish Cypriots have made considerable efforts since then.
He criticized the continued imposition of all sorts of embargoes by the Greek Cypriots against the Turkish Cypriots, stressing that the true occupiers are the Greek Cypriots.
“If there is to be an agreement, it will now be a two-state solution,” said President Tatar, adding that the Greek Cypriots have never been willing to reach an agreement based on equality.
“The federation that the Greek Cypriots understand is vastly different from what the Turkish Cypriots understand,” he stated, indicating that the Greek Cypriots aim for majority rule over the minority.
President Tatar stated that the third coup in Cyprus occurred on May 1, 2004, with the accession of the Greek Cypriots to the EU. He emphasized that during this process, neither Türkiye as the guarantor country nor the Turkish Cypriots, who are co-founders of the Republic of Cyprus that said yes to the Annan Plan, were consulted.
Tatar underscored his determination to forge ahead despite criticism, highlighting the importance of enhancing the international perception of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) through extensive visits and diplomatic engagements.
Addressing criticisms about his frequent travels, Tatar dismissed them as unjust, emphasizing that his efforts are dedicated to promoting the TRNC on the global stage.
He noted that relations with Azerbaijan and other Turkic states are steadily progressing, illustrating growing international ties.
President Tatar also emphasized the significance of Turkish Cypriots living abroad, stating, “We have always stood united.”
Commenting on the current situation in Cyprus, President Tatar pointed out the existence of two states on the island.
He indicated that when Greek Cypriots advocate for a federation, they actually aim for reunification, seeking to foreground a Greek Cypriot identity.
He asserted that they do not intend to fall into the trap of relinquishing Türkiye’s guarantorship.
Proposing cooperation between the two states as a viable path forward for Cyprus, Tatar envisioned a promising future where natural resources and energy from Türkiye could be utilized collaboratively.
