Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given a contentious speech in the occupied territories of Cyprus on the 50th anniversary of the island’s invasion.
“Ignoring the reality on the island of Cyprus leads nowhere,” Turkish President Erdogan stated, adding: “We believe that a federal solution is not possible in Cyprus. Northern Cyprus is the apple of our eye, [and] it is a part of our soul.”
The President continued, “We must keep in mind why the ‘peace operation’ took place in Cyprus and why Turkey took such a decision.”
Erdogan’s speech was met with calls from diplomatic sources who made reference to the speech being given this evening by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Greek position on the Cyprus question has been set in stone for decades.
“Greece, in solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus, remains firmly committed to the solution of the reunification of Cyprus, within the framework of the decisions of the United Nations Organization, and this will continue to do so,” said a government spokesperson.
The Greek Prime Minister is set to give his speech this evening, during a visit to the island on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus.
Mitsotakis, today at 8:30 pm, will attend and speak at the commemoration event put together by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis, to mark the 50th anniversary of the coup and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
Erdogan’s speech in Cyprus
In his speech, the Turkish President claimed that “in the southern part” of Cyprus, a spoiled attitude reigns, with people thinking of themselves as the rulers of the island. He also said the situation is such that the Greek Cypriot leader takes part in the commemoration ceremonies of the EOKA terrorists, and the Turkish Cypriots are attacked and imprisoned when they travel to the south. Furthermore, mosques are set on fire.
According to Erdogan, the “peaceful” mission of 1974 brought freedom and prosperity to the Turkish Cypriots. “We see July 20 as a symbol of protecting sovereign rights and equality. In the south, there is a wrong mentality that they see themselves as the sole owner of Cyprus.”
“We are ready for consultations, negotiations and…the solution to bring permanent peace to Cyprus,” Erdogan added. “We never leave in the air any hand that extends in the direction of peace. We have shown our good will throughout history.”
“We say: if you want a solution, ratify the sovereign rights of the Turkish Cypriots. And I hope that we will see the days when the leaders of the guarantor countries will one day visit the two states on the island,” said the Turkish President.
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