In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 20 July 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) London Representative Çimen Keskin, diplomatic members of the Representative office and members from Turkish Cypriot community in the UK paid a thanks to Turkish Ambassador to London, Koray Ertaş on Friday (20 July).
During the visit , Ambassador Ertaş delivered a speech emphasizing the significance of the day. He expressed pride in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation and the Peace and Freedom Day. He highlighted the ongoing struggle of the Turkish Cypriots to maintain their freedom and equality on the island, a struggle that continues diplomatically to convey to the world that the Turkish Cypriots are equal and sovereign partners in Cyprus.
The Ambassador stressed that attempts by the Greek Cypriots to isolate the Turkish Cypriots with the support of European countries would not deter Turkey and the TRNC from defending their rightful cause. He emphasized the need for the international community to recognize the reality of two communities and two sovereign states in Cyprus.
Ertaş called on the United Kingdom, as a guarantor power, to acknowledge the situation on the ground and take steps to end the unfair isolation and embargoes on the Turkish Cypriots, including initiating direct flights and trade.
Representative Keskin described the Peace Operation as a pivotal moment for Turkish Cypriots, marking the end of deprivation, displacement, and death, and ensuring their safety and freedom. She emphasized that the operation enabled Turkish Cypriots to secure their freedom, homeland, and state thanks to the Republic of Turkey, which stood by its signature and its brothers.
She stated that the Turkish Cypriot side has always fulfilled its responsibilities towards achieving a lasting and just solution in Cyprus. However, all negotiation processes have failed due to the intransigent attitude of the Greek Cypriot side. Keskin concluded that a fair, lasting, and viable solution in Cyprus can only be achieved by recognizing the realities on the ground, which include the acquired rights of the Turkish Cypriots, their sovereign equality, and equal international status.
Keskin concluded her speech by saluting the heroic Turkish Armed Forces and the resilient Turkish Cypriot people on the 50th anniversary of the Peace Operation. She paid tribute those behind the operation and extended thanks to the Turkish Republic, the people of Anatolia, and the heroic Turkish Armed Forces on behalf of Ambassador Ertaş.