President Ersin Tatar attends celebrations marking the 100. anniversary of the 30 August Victory Day
“Turkish Cypriots will defend their State and sovereignty under all circumstances”
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President Ersin Tatar attended the first ceremony in Lefkoşa marking the 100. anniversary of the August 30 Victory Day celebrations.
Victory day marks the end of the Great Offensive which had been started four days earlier on August 26, 1922, under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief Mustafa Kemal Atatürk -- which liberated Anatolia from foreign occupation, and which paved the way to the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye.
The ceremony, which commenced with the laying of wreaths at the Atatürk monument, was followed with the observation of a minute’s silence and the hoisting of the flags of the TRNC and Türkiye alongside the National Anthem.
President Tatar wrote the following in the Memorial Special Book:
“Glorious Atatürk,
We are in your presence once again on the 100th anniversary of glorious Victory Day of the Turkish nation, which liberated Anatolia from foreign occupation and ensured the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye.
The Great Offensive, which started on August 26, 1922, with the heroism and courage of the Turkish army led by the Commander-in-Chief, ensured that the War of Independence ended with a decisive victory of the Turkish nation and liberated Anatolia from occupation.
This victory has demonstrated to the whole world once again that the Turkish nation will never accept captivity under any circumstances.
While the Great Offensive sets an example for the liberation struggle for all oppressed nations, the Turkish Cypriot people continued their national struggle with the spirit, power and inspiration emanating from this victory. The Turkish Cypriot people have succeeded in being able to live as free, honourable and sovereign people in their own State.
The Turkish Cypriot people have continued to act in solidarity with the Republic of Türkiye and we shall defend our State and sovereignty irrespective of the conditions.
Whilst bowing with respect and gratitude, I wish God's mercy on all our martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the homeland and the independence and freedom of the Turkish nation."
Parliamentary Speaker Zorlu Töre, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, President of the Supreme Court Narin Ferdi Şefik, Former President Mehmet Ali Talat, Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Ali Murat Başceri, Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Commander Major General Sezai Öztürk, Security Forces (GKK) Commander Major General Zorlu Topaloğlu, Republican Turkish Party Chairman Tufan Erhürman, some ministers, deputies, military officials, representatives of institutions, organisations and associations attended the ceremony.