President Ersin Tatar visits Municipality of Geçitkale-Serdarlı
“The Cyprus Peace Operation secured lasting peace and stability on the Island”
President Ersin Tatar, who was unable to attend the August 14 Liberation Day ceremonies of Serdarlı and its surrounding villages due to an overseas engagement, paid a visit to the Municipality of Geçitkale–Serdarlı.
Reflecting on the events of July 15, 1974, when a fascist coup d'etat was staged by Greece, President Tatar stated that the Cyprus Peace Operation, launched on July 20, 1974, restored peace and stability in the island.
He recalled that in the aftermath of the operation, the Turkish Cypriot People of Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar were subjected to horrific massacres. The people of Serdarlı, however, were spared such a fate thanks to the steadfast resistance of the Serdarlı Banner.
President Tatar stressed the importance of ensuring that younger generations fully understand the Turkish Cypriot struggle for freedom and survival. “We emerged from the brink of annihilation,” the President said. “Through the heroic resistance of our mujahideen and the decisive intervention of Türkiye, we achieved our freedom and independence."
Reaffirming the critical importance of Türkiye’s guarantorship and military presence for the security of Cyprus, President Tatar made clear that such safeguards are non-negotiable in any future settlement, and that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will remain an integral party to a settlement.
Geçitkale–Serdarlı Mayor Halil Kasım expressed his pleasure in hosting President Tatar on such a meaningful occasion.