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Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in July 1974. Over half a century later, Cyprus remains in the same status quo as it had after that fateful day. Consequently, poignant memorials were held across the island, including in the occupied areas.
Not surprisingly, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan arrived in occupied Nicosia to attend a parade commemorating the anniversary. Welcomed by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and other officials at Tympou airport, Erdogan was joined by leaders from both Turkish and Cypriot opposition parties.
Cumhurbaşkanı @ErsinrTatar , 20 Temmuz Barış ve Özgürlük Bayramı kutlamalarına katılmak üzere Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti’ne gelen Türkiye Cumhurbaşkanı @RTErdogan ve beraberindeki heyeti karşıladı.
— KKTC Cumhurbaşkanlığı (@KKTCCB) July 20, 2024
https://t.co/SYEPJNb0DE pic.twitter.com/Cvhpff3VD8
In his remarks, Erdogan dismissed the possibility of a federal solution for Cyprus, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the island's current realities. "We believe that a federation solution is not feasible," Erdogan stated, adding, "if the Greek Cypriot side wants to engage in talks, it must deliver on the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriots.
The parade began at 10 a.m. and featured speeches from Erdogan and Tatar, an acrobatic display by the Turkish Air Force's "Turkish Stars," and a flyover by F-16 jets. A maritime parade included 50 ships and 12 aircraft carrier vessels, with 50 cannon shots marking the occasion.
Additionally, the "50th Anniversary Defence Industry Exhibition" was inaugurated, showcasing products from 16 Turkish defense companies, including a demonstration of Akıncı drones by Baykar. Celebrations also included a concert by the Turkish Army Symphony orchestra at Pente Mili beach, where Turkish artist Ferhat Gioceser performed the anniversary song promoted by the Turkish Ministry of Defence.
In his speech, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar emphasized the need for recognition of the Turkish Cypriot people's sovereign equality and equal international status. Referencing the 2021 Geneva conference, Tatar noted UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's observation that there was no common ground between the two sides, highlighting the need for new ideas.
20 Temmuz Barış ve Özgürlük Bayramı’nın 50’nci yıl dönümü kutlamaları çerçevesinde Lefkoşa Atatürk Anıtı’nda tören düzenlendihttps://t.co/c2F3IT8x5N pic.twitter.com/6qJK6etrnR
— KKTC Cumhurbaşkanlığı (@KKTCCB) July 20, 2024
Tatar blamed the failure of negotiation processes on the Greek Cypriot side's unchanging and dominant mentality. He also rejected the notion of a federal solution that would place Turkish Cypriots in a minority position within the EU, stressing that such a solution would undermine Turkish Cypriot statehood and sovereignty by removing Turkey's guarantees and military presence.
He condemned the international community's tolerance of what he described as unjust embargoes against Turkish Cypriots for the past 60 years. Tatar also criticized Greek Cypriot military agreements with foreign states, arguing that these actions turn southern Cyprus into a military hub and endanger the island. He called for the preservation of peace established since the 1974 Turkish invasion and accused the Greek Cypriot side of provocations that escalated tensions.
Meanwhile, highlighting ongoing efforts to gain international recognition for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Erdogan declared, "Our efforts will be further increased to break the isolation and lift the embargoes. Our support for making TRNC a strong state is permanent."
Erdogan recalled the 1974 invasion, claiming it ended years of oppression for Turkish Cypriots and was executed under Turkey's rights and obligations as a guarantor country. He accused Greek Cypriots of viewing themselves as the sole sovereigns of Cyprus, neglecting the rights and presence of Turkish Cypriots. "We are faced with such atrocities that the Greek Cypriot leader is attending commemoration ceremonies for EOKA terrorists. When our Turkish Cypriot brothers cross to the south, they are attacked, arrested, and mosques in the south are burned," Erdogan claimed.
He also referenced discussions with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, expressing readiness to negotiate for a lasting peace and solution in Cyprus, but only if the Greek side recognizes the inherent rights of Turkish Cypriots. "My brothers and sisters, you cannot tread the same water twice, you cannot get anywhere by ignoring the events on the island. We believe that a federal solution in Cyprus is not possible," Erdogan asserted.
Athens responded swiftly to Erdogan's statements, reaffirming its commitment to the reunification of Cyprus within the framework of UN resolutions. The Greek Prime Minister is expected to address the issue further in Nicosia.
