LEFKOSA - The ''July 20 Peace and Freedom Day'', marking the 30th anniversary of Turkish military intervention in Cyprus to prevent a massacre of Turkish Cypriots, is being celebrated today in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Retired Gen. Nezihi Cakar, the chief advisor to the Turkish President; Turkish Deputy Parliament Speaker Nevzat Pakdil, Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, Turkish National Security Council Secretary General Gen. Sukru Sariisik, Felicity Party (Saadet) former leader Necmettin Erbakan who served as Turkish Deputy Prime Minister during the Turkish Peace Operation in Cyprus in 1974, Saadet deputy leader Recai Kutan, Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy Onur Oymen and Labor Party (IP) leader Dogu Perincek are also attending the ceremonies.
An official parade took place on Dr. Fazil Kucuk Boulevard in TRNC's capital city Lefkosa.
TRNC President Rauf Denktas and Gul will deliver speeches during the ceremony.
Between 1963-1974, thousands of Turkish Cypriots, including women and children, were killed, maimed or wounded by Greek Cypriot militia and some 30,000 became refugee in their homeland.
The Turkish Cypriot people were relieved from this agony and saved from total extermination only by the timely intervention of Turkey on July 20, 1974, undertaken in accordance with the 1960 London and Zurich Treaties.
The Turkish Peace Operation in Cyprus took place following a coup attempt by Greece to takeover the Cyprus. The coup d'etat was organized by the military junta, then holding the power in Athens and its collaborators in Cyprus.
Turkey was forced to intervene as a result of the onslaught carried out against the Turkish Cypriots. The Turkish intervention was conform to the Treaty of Guarantee, which gave the three guarantor powers --Great Britain, Greece and Turkey-- the right to undertake necessary steps, including the right of intervention, to restore the status quo ante in Cyprus, in case of any change in, or disturbance of, such status.
TURKISH FM: EU AND ENTIRE WORLD WILL BE TESTED FOR THEIR PROMISES TO TURKISH CYPRIOTS
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that the European Union (EU) and the entire world would be tested on whether or not they kept the promises they made to Turkish Cypriot people.
Speaking in a ceremony held in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to celebrate the July 20th Peace and Freedom Day, Gul said that Turkey and TRNC sincerely tried hard to solve Cyprus issue.
Gul noted that Turkish Cypriots had fulfilled their duty and said ''yes'' to the solution plan of the United Nations (UN).
On the other hand, Gul said, the Greek Cypriot people rejected the UN plan as a result of the ''no'' campaign carried out by the Greek Cypriot administration, Gul recalled.
Thus, the Greek Cypriot side demonstrated that they did not want a new partnership and equality with the Turkish Cypriots, Gul stated.
Gul stressed that the TRNC would be the symbol of peace and tranquility in its region, adding that Turkey would always be beside Turkish Cypriot people.
TRNC IS A GROWING AND DEVELOPING STATE
Gul said that TRNC was a growing and developing state with its self-sacrificing people, contemporary educational institutions, independent jurisdiction, and democratic administration.
Gul promised that Turkey would not leave TRNC alone, and continue extending political and economic support.
Gul said that Cyprus Peace Operation, staged by Turkey who used its rights stemming from international treaties, brought peace, stability and tranquility to Cyprus and the region.
''We consider July 20 as a symbol of protection of rights and equal status of Turkish Cypriot people,'' Gul said.
He noted, ''the history has demonstrated us that only the nations, who are strong enough to claim rights for their future and who take joint action for a cause they believe in, can survive.''
''Motivated by this goal, Turkish Cypriot people was able to protect their rights and freedom, and overcome every difficulty'', Gul stated.
IT'S TIME FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO KEEP PROMISES TO TURKISH CYPRIOTS
Gul said that Turkey expected international community to take concrete steps to integrate Turkish Cypriots to the world, since it had promised before and after the referenda to end unjust treatment to which Turkish Cypriots had been exposed for 40 years.
Gul stated that Turkey and TRNC had sincerely tried hard for a fair solution of the Cyprus issue and done their best.
''Turkish Cypriots said ''yes'' to UN plan for the sake of peace, democracy and to integrate with the international community. However, the Greek Cypriot people obviously rejected solution (of the Cyprus problem) and establishment of a common future with the Turkish Cypriots by a ''no'' campaign carried out by the Greek Cypriot administration. This result has clearly demonstrated that the Greek Cypriot side is not ready for a new partnership and compromise,'' Gul said.
Gul noted, ''the referenda have clearly demonstrated that the Greek Cypriot administration's policy, which consist to accuse Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey of being the uncompromising side by distorting the realities for years, is baseless. Today, everybody knows who wants fair and lasting solution and who hamper a solution.''
TRNC would continue to be an element of peace and stability in its region, Gul stated.
-A NEW ERA IN CYPRUS-
Gul said that a new era is opening up today in Cyprus for Turkey and Turkish Cypriots and added, ''although Turkish Cypriot people have been exposed for decades to unjust embargoes and limitations in all areas (including trade, economy, transportation, tourism and sports), very important progress has been recorded in TRNC since 1974. But, we want the international community to see the realities and end unjust treatment.''
''The international community, before and after the referenda, promised to end unjust treatment to which Turkish Cypriots have been exposed for more than 40 years. Now, it's time that these promises should be kept. But, steps taken so far doesn't end isolation of Turkish Cypriots and relieved them. In this context, we are carefully following initiatives launched by the EU (European Union), and expect them to be put into practice as soon as possible. The EU and the entire world should not forget that they will all be tested for whether or not they kept the promises they made to Turkish Cypriot people,'' Gul said.
-WE EXPECT CONCRETE STEPS-
Gul said that Turkey and TRNC expected international community to start non-stop flights and direct trade with TRNC, develop their relations in sports, culture and other areas, and take measures to integrate Turkish Cypriots in the international community.
Turkish and TRNC governments would continue to fulfil their responsibilities to this end, Gul stated.
Calling upon the international community, Gul said that the Greek Cypriot side voted for insolvability (in the April referendum), and stressed that it was high time for the world to respond to Turkish Cypriots demand to integrate.
-ECONOMIC ISSUES-
Gul said that Turkish government was determined to take every measure to assure a more peaceful and prosperous life for Turkish Cypriots, and stated that (Turkish) government was working together with TRNC government to solve current economic problems of Turkish Cypriots.
-POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE FOR INVESTMENTS-
Gul said that progress in political area should be supported by economic development.
Noting that a new and positive atmosphere had been created in the island, Gul said that this positive approach should be used well to perform economic progress in TRNC.
Gul stated that serious investments had started in TRNC within the framework of a particular incentive model developed in order to make TRNC an attractive investment environment. TRNC's water and energy problems would totally be eliminated in the medium term, Gul said.
Gul noted that Turkish government was encouraging Turkish businessmen to invest in TRNC and added, ''I believe that TRNC government will do its best to attract Turkish Cypriot businessmen outside Cyprus, Turkish businessmen, and businessmen of other countries to invest in its territory.''
-OUR COOPERATION AND SOLIDARITY WILL BE ENHANCED-
Underlining that Turkey would never leave Turkish Cypriots alone, Gul said, ''TRNC and Turkish Cypriot people will continue to see Turkey beside them. Our cooperation and solidarity will be enhanced''.
PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''PLEASE DON'T LEAVE US ALONE''
''Turkey is the only country that recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and I am honored of that'' says TRNC President Rauf Denktas.
Denktas said --in relation with Annan Plan-- that any condition had not been put forward about the promises made to Turkish Cypriots before the referendum (of April 24), but today Turkish Cypriots were facing several conditions asking them to give up their State.
Asking Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul who also delivered a speech during the same ceremony, not to accept those conditions, Denktas said acceptance of those conditions would mean abandonment of the TRNC.
Stressing that they felt honored because of the recognition of the TRNC by Turkey, Denktas said, ''you recognize us but the world doesn't. We don't care. They should feel ashamed. But please don't leave us alone. Your recognition is our strength. May God protect Turkey. May God give TRNC a long life.''
Criticizing Annan's peace plan, Denktas said that if Greek Cypriots had voted ''yes'' in the referendum and accepted Annan's plan, half of the Turkish Cypriots would have become refugee today and they could have not celebrated the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day today.
Denktas added that Turkey would not have access to high seas in case of seizure of the whole Cyprus by Greek Cypriots.
TURKISH PRESIDENT SENDS MESSAGE TO TRNC PRESIDENT TO MARK JULY 20 PEACE AND FREEDOM DAY
Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Tuesday that it was high time for the international community to respond positively to the demands of Turkish Cypriots to integrate with the world, and to put an end to the unjust isolation of Turkish Cypriots.
Sezer sent a message to Rauf Denktas, President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation.
In his message, Sezer said that despite all problems and difficulties faced in the past, Turkey and Turkish Cypriot people had always favored peace and compromise.
He added, ''Turkish side did more than its responsibilities require, to find a fair and lasting solution (to the Cyprus problem). But, the Greek Cypriot side missed its last chance. A new status quo has been established in Cyprus today. It is high time for the international community to respond positively to demands of Turkish Cypriots to integrate with the world, and put an end to the unjust isolation of Turkish Cypriots. Therefore, it is our prior target to lift these unjust embargoes and restrictions imposed on Turkish Cypriots.''
''Progress made since 1974 are worth praising. Turkish Cypriot people are the guarantee of peace, stability and tranquility in the island under the roof of TRNC. Turkey is determined to continue exerting necessary efforts to assure the economic and social development of TRNC ,'' Sezer stated in his message.
(BRC-ULG) 20.07.2004