Numan Kurtulmuş: I Said ‘Turkish Cypriot State,’ It Was No Slip of the Tongue

Highlights from Numan Kurtulmuş's speech:

"Today, we also see the physical presence of the world's major powers in the Eastern Mediterranean. Everyone has had grand ambitions in Cyprus. Major powers are eager to be in the Eastern Mediterranean.

There is an occupier in Cyprus. It is the Greek side that destroyed the state of Cyprus. Turkey will not give up on Cyprus. Turkey’s presence in Cyprus will continue forever. As Turkey, we will always stand by the people of Cyprus. The Cyprus Peace Operation is a struggle for freedom and honor. Without such an operation, it would also be a struggle for the dignity of everyone living in Turkey. It is a victory won with success, ending the suffering of the people of Cyprus. We remember as if it was yesterday how they imposed embargoes to stop Turkey. I said ‘Turkish Cypriot State,’ it was no slip of the tongue; I know what I am saying. Initially, it was the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus. We will always defend the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot State.”