Cyprus condemns Turkish vice president’s visit to north

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ foreign ministry on Monday condemned Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz’s visit to the north during events marking the 1974 Turkish invasion.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to Cyprus’ liberation and reunification under the agreed United Nations framework.

Foreign ministry statement

The ministry said it remained committed to a sustainable solution based on international law that would ensure the rights and well-being of all Cypriots.

It said Yilmaz’s renewed presence in the north underscored and represented “another expression of acceptance of the Turkish occupation and violations.”

The ministry said the violations had been consistently condemned by relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and by the international community, including the European Union.

Yilmaz’s remarks

Speaking at a military parade marking the 52nd anniversary of the invasion, Yilmaz said Turkey’s 1974 intervention brought peace not only to Turkish Cypriots and the north, but also to Greek Cypriots and the island as a whole.

He said the period of persecution and hardship experienced by Turkish Cypriots between 1963 and 1974 had ended, creating conditions for them to live in peace and security in their homeland.