The 41st anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was celebrated with events organized in different parts of the world.
The reception held in London was organized by the TRNC London Representative Office and hosted a wide participation consisting of the Turkish Cypriot community living in England as well as diplomatic representatives, members of parliament and academics. At the event, TRNC London Representative Çimen Keskin gave a speech emphasizing that the TRNC was the most valuable work of the struggle for independence and freedom.
Keskin said “The Turkish Cypriot people crowned their rightful and honorable struggle, which they continued with the unwavering support of their homeland, the Republic of Turkey, by establishing their own state on November 15, 1983. Our Republic, founded with great sacrifices, continues on its path, growing stronger thanks to the solidarity and determination of our people.”
Keskin also gave important messages to the international community regarding the Cyprus issue. Stating that the vision of a two-state solution is being pursued with determination, Keskin said that the greatest goal is to ensure sovereign equality and the international recognition of the TRNC: “The international community must see the realities on the island and leave behind tried and exhausted methods. Our expectation from the United Kingdom in particular is that it takes concrete and equal steps towards the Turkish Cypriot people.”
In her speech, Keskin commemorated the founders of the TRNC and leaders of the freedom struggle, Dr. Fazıl Küçük and Rauf Raif Denktaş, and expressed his gratitude to the precious martyrs and veterans. He expressed his gratitude for the support given to the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish people, and emphasized the importance of solidarity for the Turkish Cypriot people to continue their honourable existence.
“I would like to express my endless gratitude to our motherland Turkey and our heroic people who have always given strength to the Turkish Cypriot people with their unconditional support,” said Keskin, and stated that keeping the spirit of the struggle for independence alive is everyone’s common duty.
Following her speech was the cutting of the cake specially prepared for the 41st anniversary of the TRNC. The cake was cut with applause by TRNC London Representative Çimen Keskin, Turkish Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş, British MP Andrew Rosindell and Prof. Ten Feizi. This moment received great interest from the guests in the hall and reflected the spirit of unity and solidarity of the Turkish Cypriot people.
The event also emphasized that the establishment of the TRNC is not only the independence of a state, but also a reflection of the cultural and historical heritage of the Turkish Cypriot people. The participants drew attention to the importance of such events in order to leave a strong legacy for future generations.
