Nicosia, Cyprus. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would “never abandon the Turkish Cypriot people” in a message marking the 52nd anniversary of the arrival of Turkish troops in Cyprus in 1974.
Erdogan had been expected to attend Turkish Cypriot commemorations in Nicosia but remained in Turkey, with Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz due to lead the Turkish delegation.
Anniversary message
In his message, Erdogan commemorated those killed and thanked veterans of what Turkey refers to as the Cyprus peace operation.
“On the 52nd anniversary of the Cyprus peace operation, I commemorate with mercy our heroic martyrs and commemorate our veterans with gratitude,” he said.
He also congratulated Turkish Cypriots on July 20, described as Peace and Freedom Day, and sent greetings to the community.
Turkey’s role
Erdogan said Turkey, as the “motherland and guarantor country,” would continue supporting Turkish Cypriots in what he described as their just struggle.
“As the motherland and guarantor country, we will never abandon the Turkish Cypriot people in their just fight,” he said.
Turkish delegation
Yilmaz was due to travel to Cyprus to lead the Turkish delegation at the commemorations. Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler arrived on the island over the weekend.