FM Ertuğruloğlu: Peace Operation Brought Peace to the Greek Side as Well

In an interview with AA, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation carried out by Turkey on July 20, 1974, Minister Ertuğruloğlu highlighted the significance of the intervention, citing the use of international law and Turkey's rights as a guarantor. He noted that the intervention by Turkish soldiers and the Mujahideen prevented Cyprus from sharing the same fate as Crete.

Ertuğruloğlu emphasized that the dreams of Turkish Cypriots for Turkey’s arrival on the island materialized on July 20, 1974. He recalled, "For many years, the Greeks mocked us by playing songs like 'I waited, but you didn't come' on the radio. In response, we played 'Don't call me so earnestly, I might come suddenly one night.' When the Turkish soldiers finally arrived, we celebrated with the song 'We made a road from Kyrenia to Anatolia'."

The minister remarked that the operation not only thwarted the goal of making Cyprus a Greek island but also fundamentally changed regional dynamics. He stated:

"The Cyprus Peace Operation did not just bring peace, tranquility, and security to the Turkish Cypriots; it also brought peace to the Greek side and led to the fall of the military junta in Greece, replacing it with civilian rule. July 20 is a historic day that redefined all relationships in the Mediterranean and paved the way for the Blue Homeland doctrine. We are proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this day."

Minister Ertuğruloğlu described the atmosphere of celebration and emotion when Turkish soldiers set foot on the island. "July 20, 1974, is in a sense the birth date of Turkish Cypriots and the day they were reconnected to life. Therefore, it is important not only for us but for the entire Turkish world," he added.

"The Turkish Cypriots Fought to Preserve Their Identity"

Minister Ertuğruloğlu mentioned the struggles faced by Turkish Cypriots from 1963 to 1974 and reiterated their ongoing fight to preserve their identity. He criticized the United Nations (UN) Security Council decisions and the European Union (EU) embargoes and obstacles against the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

He pointed out that the Greek Cypriots were admitted into the EU by violating the union’s rules and principles and that this mistake cannot be rectified. Minister Ertuğruloğlu stressed that the UN and the EU continue to punish Turkish Cypriots instead of the Greek Cypriots, engaging in psychological games against the TRNC.

He highlighted that some EU member states try to instill a sense of guilt among Turkish Cypriots, suggesting "We are at fault." Despite all embargoes, obstacles, and games, Minister Ertuğruloğlu asserted that the TRNC would live on forever in cooperation with its motherland, Turkey.

Source: AA