President Ersin Tatar took part in the ceremony commemorating the Liberation Day of Lefke, on the west of the TRNC, and expressed his gratitude to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom. In his address, he paid heartfelt tribute to the fallen heroes, extended his thanks to the veterans, and saluted the resilience of the people of Lefke on the 51st anniversary of the town’s liberation.

In reference to the historic significance of the Cyprus Peace Operation for the survival and independence of the Turkish Cypriot people, President Tatar recalled that on August 16, 1974, Turkish soldiers and Turkish Cypriot fighters joined forces, leading to the liberation of Lefke.
He emphasised that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continues to advance and develop, strengthened by the support of Türkiye in areas such as water supply, infrastructure, healthcare, and higher education — progress that has also directly contributed to the development of Lefke. 

Whilst acknowledging critics of the Peace Operation and the very existence of the TRNC, President Tatar stressed that this anniversary should remind all of how far the Turkish Cypriot people have come on their path to freedom and statehood.

Drawing comparisons with global turmoil, he said:
“Even in the most developed countries, people face hardship and rising costs of living. In Gaza, thousands perish from war and famine whilst the world watches in silence. In Ukraine, bombs continue to fall despite ongoing negotiations. And yet here, in our own State, we live with dignity and honour, enjoying peace, security, and stability.”

President Tatar also highlighted that the unilateral admission of the Greek Cypriot side into the European Union — without the membership of Türkiye— rendered a federation-based settlement impossible. Such an arrangement, he explained, would abolish the guarantorship of Türkiye and military presence on the island. For this reason, he declared, the prospect of federation is closed, and Türkiye now fully supports a settlement based on the coexistence and good neighbourly relations of two sovereign States on the Island.