Öztürkler thanks TBMM Speaker Kurtulmuş

In a written statement, Öztürkler welcomed the response given by TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş to the allegations against Turkey made by Greek Cypriot House President Annita Demetriou regarding the Cyprus issue during the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament held in Rome.

"Kurtulmuş’s response is extremely important," Öztürkler emphasized, noting that Kurtulmuş’s reply against Demetriou’s rhetoric of "invasion" targeting Turkey was of great significance.

Stating that Kurtulmuş reminded the whole world in front of everyone that the real invasion in Cyprus was the "coup" carried out against the existing legitimate government through the initiative of Greece and Enosis-supporting Greek Cypriots, Öztürkler noted that this serves as a strong response to the untrue theses that have been tried to be explained to the international community for years.

Öztürkler expressed that the Cyprus issue did not start in 1974, and that the realities on the island cannot be understood by ignoring the attacks, pressures, and threat of destruction that the Turkish Cypriot people were exposed to for years.

Stating that TBMM Speaker Kurtulmuş clearly revealed what Turkey’s right of guarantee means and under what conditions the 1974 Peace Operation was carried out, Öztürkler noted that these statements were a very appropriate response given to circles that insist on not understanding historical facts.

Öztürkler emphasized that the Peace Operation carried out by Turkey within the framework of the rights and responsibilities arising from guarantees secured the existence, security, and future of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Öztürkler stated that Kurtulmuş’s declaration that no solution is possible in Cyprus by ignoring the Turkish side is also extremely valuable.

"The Turkish Cypriot people are equal owners of the island," Öztürkler stressed, pointing out that no approach that ignores the sovereign equality and equal international status of Turkish Cypriots can reach a permanent and sustainable solution.

Öztürkler noted that the resolute stance displayed by Kurtulmuş on an international platform gives great confidence to the Turkish Cypriot people.

Thanking Kurtulmuş for strongly defending the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people and historical facts, Öztürkler stated that he wholeheartedly saluted his statements.

Calling upon Greek Cypriot Parliament President Annita Demetriou, Öztürkler advised her to address the international community without ignoring the realities of Cyprus’s recent history and to stay away from rhetoric that disregards what the Turkish Cypriot people have experienced.

Emphasizing that the bond and joint struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people with Turkey continue strongly today as they did yesterday, Öztürkler noted that they will continue to walk shoulder to shoulder with Motherland Turkey on the path of protecting the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people and securing their future.