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In a resolution marking the 50th anniversary of Operation Attila, the Turkish parliament has called on the international community to recognize the occupied territories in Northern Cyprus as an independent state. The resolution asserts that the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is an integral part of the Turkish world, cannot delay any longer in taking its rightful place as an independent, sovereign member of the international community," according to Turkey's Anadolu Agency.
The Turkish parliament's resolution urges global leaders "to end the inhumane isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots and to recognize northern Cyprus as it deserves." The statement emphasizes that despite the Turkish side's constructive role in negotiations over the past 50 years, the process has stalled due to the Greek side's intransigence. It notes that while Greek Cypriots were granted European Union membership, Turkish Cypriots have faced "unjust and inhumane isolation, restrictions, and embargoes."
"Turkish Cypriots neither deserve nor consent to this situation. They can no longer afford to delay and waste time with proposals that do not provide for political equality and equal sharing of the island's natural resources," the resolution states. It further declares that "Turkey will continue to be the guarantor of the freedom and well-being of Turkish Cypriots."
This resolution comes amidst heightened tensions following remarks by Greece's Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, during his visit to Cyprus on July 15, commemorating the coup against Makarios II in 1974. The Turkish Defence Ministry criticized Dendias' comments as "low-level, false, and slanderous," defending the Turkish military's actions during the invasion and occupation as protective measures in accordance with Turkey's right of guarantee.
In response, the Greek Defence Ministry issued a sarcastic statement expressing regret that Dendias "failed to 'thank' the Turkish invasion and occupation forces for their 'services' in defending the principles of the UN Charter, the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, the protection of human rights, and democracy."
The debate over the status of Northern Cyprus remains a significant point of contention between Turkey and Greece, impacting diplomatic relations and regional stability.
[Source: Kathimerini.gr]
