President Tatar: "The Sole Reason for the Continuation of Peace, Tranquility, and Security with Stability is the Presence of the Turkish Armed Forces on the Island"

President Ersin Tatar emphasized that the only reason peace, tranquility, and security have continued with stability since the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation is the presence of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) on the island.

President Tatar delivered a speech at the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation Medal and Certificate of Appreciation Ceremony. He began his remarks by greeting all attendees.

Tatar recalled that before the 1960 Agreements, then-Prime Minister of Turkey Adnan Menderes and Foreign Minister Fatin Rüştü Zorlu had told the British, "We handed Cyprus over to Britain during the Ottoman era—not to Greece. Therefore, you must know your place," expressing that if the Greek Cypriot-Greek duo aimed to annex Cyprus to Greece, Turkey would do what was necessary.

Highlighting the achievements of Turkey's national defense industry following the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, Tatar stated that these accomplishments are also a source of pride for the Turkish Cypriot people. He noted that companies such as ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, and ROKETSAN effectively implement digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and all forms of technological advancements. Tatar thanked those who brought the national defense industry to its current level.

Referring to recent events in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Ukraine, President Tatar drew attention to how fortunate the Turkish Cypriot people are, stating, “The sole reason peace, tranquility, and security have continued with stability since the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation is the presence of the Turkish Armed Forces on the island.”

Quoting then-Prime Minister of Turkey Bülent Ecevit, who said, “We are carrying out this operation not only to bring peace to Turkish Cypriots but also to Greek Cypriots,” Tatar added:

“This is indeed what happened, and history has recorded it as such. Today, the Turkish Cypriot people's desire and demand is for the continuation of Turkey’s guarantorship and for the Turkish Armed Forces to maintain their presence on the island as a guarantor of peace.”

Stressing that “We will not compromise our red lines,” President Tatar stated that the Turkish Cypriot people will continue this approach with the support of Turkey to ensure the continuation of peace, tranquility, and stability.

President Tatar also noted the economic aspect of the national defense industry, pointing out that a citizen named Salih Avcı has a large production facility in the Haspolat Industrial Zone and exports his products as far as the United States. Tatar expressed hope that as the TRNC develops, investments in industrial zones will contribute to the success of Turkey’s new century.

Mentioning that there has been an increase of nearly 40% in passenger numbers with the opening of the new Ercan Airport Terminal in the past two years, Tatar said, “All these show the potential of developments in the economy.”

Stating that donations to the Turkish Armed Forces, which protect, ensure the security of, and guarantee the peace of the people, are highly valuable in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, Tatar noted that as the country develops, the scale and value of donations will also increase.

President Tatar emphasized the need to continue the struggle in the “Blue Homeland” as an independent Turkish state on the basis of sovereign equality with the support of the Republic of Turkey. He pointed out that there is currently no common ground in the Cyprus issue. “Despite the lack of common ground, we continue to extend our hand,” said Tatar, noting that they are proposing projects that could benefit both peoples through cooperation between the two states.

He stressed that cooperation on matters such as electricity and the opening of new border gates is significant and valuable for increasing prosperity both in the TRNC and across the island of Cyprus. He also highlighted that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan fully supported the stance of the Turkish Cypriot side during the talks in Geneva.

Commending the determination demonstrated to continue infrastructure investments under the Economic and Financial Cooperation Protocol signed between Turkey and the TRNC, Tatar expressed his belief that projects will be realized with the involvement of Turkish Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum.