President Tatar: TRNC is a Reality, Recognize it or Not

Speaking at an event commemorating the 45th anniversary of the passing of the first flag bearer of the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT), Colonel Ali Rıza Vuruşkan, in Nicosia at the TMT Veterans Association, President Tatar underscored, "The TRNC state is our essence, our peace, our tranquility, our security, and our loyalty." Tatar expressed gratitude to Vuruşkan and remarked, "May he rest in peace, and may his soul be content."

Reflecting on the days when Cyprus faced attacks from Greek Cypriot terrorists and EOKA members, Tatar highlighted the lack of communication channels like radio and television, stating that during those times, there was no presence of the Turkish Republic of Turkey nearby. He pointed out that before the 1960 agreements, when Britain decided to withdraw from Cyprus, pressures and demographic manipulations by the Greek Cypriots created an illusion that the island was a "Greek island," leading to attempts to unite it with Greece, known as Enosis.

Tatar recalled the slogans "Either Partition or Death" and "Cyprus is Turkish and will remain Turkish" amid provocations from EOKA members and Greek Cypriots. He commemorated Freedom and Existence Struggle Leader Dr. Fazıl Küçük, Founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş, and their companions, along with former Turkish Prime Minister Adnan Menderes and Foreign Minister Fatin Rüştü Zorlu. Tatar stressed that Turkey's guarantee was instrumental in ensuring the Turkish Cypriots' equal and founding status during the establishment of the Cyprus agreements.

Regarding the ongoing efforts for a settlement in Cyprus, Tatar lamented the wasted time in negotiations for over 50 years despite the good faith efforts of the Turkish Cypriots. He asserted that if there were to be an agreement in Cyprus, the TRNC state must be part of it. Tatar emphasized Turkey's full support for these efforts in the last three years.

Tatar highlighted that the Turkish Cypriot people, who were forcibly excluded, had to establish their own state, leading to the completion of 60 years before the establishment of the TRNC. He noted the TRNC's status as an observer member in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). Tatar asserted that Turkey's support was crucial for the TRNC's elevation of status.

In conclusion, Tatar stressed that the TRNC is now a reality, whether recognized or not, and affirmed that the Turkish Cypriot people will continue to live independently and freely on these lands forever. He expressed confidence that with the unity of Turkey, the TRNC, and the Blue Homeland, the Turkish Cypriot people will achieve more prosperous and affluent tomorrows. Tatar expressed his belief that the TRNC, celebrating its 40th year, will continue to strengthen and move forward.