Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on Monday commemorated the anniversary of coups d’état in Cyprus and Turkey.
July 15 marks the 50th anniversary of the coup in Cyprus backed by the Greek military junta of the day, as well as the eighth anniversary of an unsuccessful coup in Turkey.
“We commemorate the anniversary of the treacherous attempted coup of July 15, 2016, when the Great Turkish nation demonstrated to the entire world its determination to defend democracy and its national will,” he began.
Turning his attention to Cyprus, he said, “July 15 is also an important date for the Turkish Cypriot people.
“July 15 is the 50th anniversary of the Greek coup in Cyprus. The Republic of Turkey’s intervention on July 20, 1974, with the aim of bringing peace to the island, brought the Turkish Cypriot people their independence and freedom,” he said.
“The Turkish Cypriot people are independent, free and will continue their existence with their own state. All these facts give us strength. Let us not forget that the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will endure forever with the determination of our people.
“On the anniversary of the treacherous attempted coup, I once again emphasise our commitment to democracy and our national will, and I convey my greetings and love to every member of the Turkish nation,” he said.
