Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) marked the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation on July 20, 2024, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attending ceremonies in the TRNC. The operation, launched on July 20, 1974, in response to a Greek-backed coup, resulted in the division of the island and the establishment of the TRNC in 1983.During the commemorations, Erdoğan emphasized the importance of the operation in securing the rights and freedoms of Turkish Cypriots. He called for a two-state solution and international recognition of the TRNC, stating that a federal solution is no longer possible. Erdoğan also announced that TRNC students would be treated equally with Turkish students in terms of tuition fees and scholarships.The event was attended by various Turkish political leaders, including opposition leader Özgür Özel and MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, demonstrating a unified stance on the Cyprus issue. Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz also released a statement praising the operation as a symbol of national unity and determination.However, the Greek Cypriot side, led by President Nicos Anastasiades, maintained that reunification is the only way forward. Anastasiades stated, ‘There is no alternative’ to reunification, highlighting the ongoing division of the island. The contrasting positions of the two sides underscore the continuing challenges in resolving the Cyprus issue, even 50 years after the initial conflict.
Key points
- Turkey and TRNC commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation.
- President Erdoğan called for a two-state solution and international recognition of the TRNC.
- Greek Cypriot President Anastasiades maintained that reunification is the only way forward.
- The contrasting positions highlight ongoing challenges in resolving the Cyprus issue.
Contradictions👾Erdoğan stated that a federal solution is not possible in Cyprus, while Anastasiades insisted that reunification is the only way forward.
