Türkiye condemns EOKA anniversary rhetoric
Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence has criticized statements and activities held in the Greek Cypriot Administration on the anniversary of EOKA’s founding, warning that portraying the group’s past violence as a “struggle for freedom” undermines efforts for a lasting settlement on the island.
Speaking following a weekly press briefing held aboard the TCG Anadolu as part of the Blue Homeland-2026 Exercise, officials from the Turkish Ministry of Defence responded to questions from the press regarding the anniversary events.
The Ministry stated that presenting the violent acts carried out by the EOKA organization on the island in the past through one-sided and distorted narratives as a “freedom struggle” damages ongoing efforts for a permanent solution and the current climate of stability.
It added that the statements and events marking the anniversary were a clear indication that historical facts continue to be misrepresented.
According to the statement, conveying such distorted narratives to children and young people in the Greek Cypriot side weakens the foundation for mutual dialogue and understanding on the island.
The Ministry also pointed to recent provocative actions targeting civilians in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, describing them as reflections of the same mindset.
Reaffirming its position, the Ministry stressed that the Turkish Cypriot side continues to maintain a constructive and good-faith stance aimed at achieving a fair, lasting, and sustainable solution.
It also underscored that all necessary measures would be taken decisively against any threats or acts of violence targeting the security of Turkish Cypriots and the sovereignty of the TRNC.
Finally, the statement emphasized the importance of avoiding initiatives that could escalate tensions and of preserving the peace and stability established following the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation.
