Ceremony held at the Atatürk Monument in Lefkoşa marking the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation
President Ersin Tatar and President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, laid a wreath at the Atatürk monument and signed the special book of the monument. President Tatar wrote the following:
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“Great Leader Atatürk,
We commemorate you once again with respect on the 50th anniversary of the 20 July Peace and Freedom Day.
The Turkish Cypriot people, who have wholeheartedly embraced your principles, continue on their path with their secular and democratic values and continue their efforts with the important support of the Republic of Türkiye, to reach the goal of contemporary civilisation.
On the 50th anniversary of the day when our struggle for independence and freedom was crowned, we are in your presence today to commemorate our martyrs and to celebrate the anniversary of our liberation and freedom.
The Turkish Cypriot people, inspired by you, are continuing their struggle to protect their identity in Cyprus in the worst periods and gave martyrs for this cause. With the fighting spirit and with the great support of the Republic of Türkiye, we have sworn to protect our freedom with the same spirit of our struggle.
With these feelings and thoughts, we remember you once again with respect.”
Also signing the Special Book of the Monument, President Erdoğan wrote the following in the book:
“We are proud to reach the 50th anniversary of the 20 July Peace Operation, which our heroic Security Forces put forward with the Turkish Cypriot people. The Turkish nation has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to its independence and future to the whole world with this operation. The Turkish Cypriot people continue their struggle for independence with the support of Motherland Republic of Türkiye, and look to the future with hope and confidence.
I wholeheartedly believe that the freedom gained at the cost of the lives of our martyrs as following the struggle will continue forever. On this occasion, I once again commemorate our martyrs with mercy again, and I express our gratitude to our veterans. May your souls rest in peace."