PM Üstel criticizes EOKA remarks, calls for accountability over Yiğitler Burcu incident
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel has strongly criticised statements by Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodulides marking the anniversary of EOKA, while also condemning a recent attack on civilians in the Yiğitler Burcu area.
Üstel said portraying EOKA as a “national liberation movement” and promoting this narrative to younger generations constitutes a clear distortion of historical facts.
He stressed that for Turkish Cypriots, EOKA represents not a struggle, but a period marked by massacres, attacks, and systematic oppression.
He underlined that glorifying such an organisation and encouraging its remembrance, despite the suffering endured by Turkish Cypriots, is unacceptable and contradicts claims of building a shared future on the island.
Üstel added that achieving a just, lasting, and sustainable solution in Cyprus requires an honest confrontation with the past, noting that reconciliation cannot be achieved through one-sided historical narratives or by ignoring realities.
Reaffirming that Turkish Cypriots are equal co-founders of the island, Üstel stated that they have never accepted—and will never accept—minority status.
He emphasised that sovereign equality and equal international status remain fundamental and non-negotiable rights.
The Prime Minister also reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot people will continue to safeguard their state, sovereignty, and future together with Türkiye.
Turning to recent developments, Üstel also addressed an attack targeting civilians in the Yiğitler Burcu area, describing the incident as extremely serious and unacceptable.
He pointed out that the failure to take necessary precautions in a sensitive area with a buffer zone status reflects a significant lapse in responsibility.
Condemning the perpetrators in the strongest terms, Üstel called on all relevant parties—particularly the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus—to fulfil their responsibilities, increase security measures immediately, and ensure that a prompt judicial process is initiated against those responsible.
He also urged the Greek Cypriot leadership to launch an immediate investigation and bring those responsible to justice, stressing that this is essential to prevent further escalation. Üstel concluded by stating that the process will be closely monitored.
