Cyprus, Greece condemn Erdogan's remarks on 1974 invasion

Cyprus and Greece have condemned recent remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, labeling them as a "blatant distortion of historical truth" and an "insult to the memory of the victims."

Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis of Cyprus strongly criticized Erdogan's statements, stating that they demonstrate a lack of respect for international law, European principles, and UN resolutions. Letympiotis emphasized the unsuitability of anachronistic guarantees in a modern, European state.

"The Turkish President chooses to send a message of division, effectively violating and ignoring the resolutions of the UN Security Council," Letymbiotis said.

Meanwhile, Greek officials denounced Erdogan's recent comments during an iftar dinner with Turkish soldiers and military personnel, where he claimed that Turkey could have controlled the entire island of Cyprus if its forces had advanced further south during the invasion.

Greek diplomatic sources criticized Erdogan's remarks, particularly at a time when efforts are underway, under the auspices of the United Nations, to resume talks for a Cyprus settlement within the framework of UN Security Council resolutions.