Üstel condemned “dangerous rise of the EOKA mentality” and “burning of flags”

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel strongly condemned the burning of the flags of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus by Greek Cypriot youth during Easter events, stating that there were attempts to revive the EOKA mentality in South Cyprus.

Stressing that these developments threatened the atmosphere of peace and security on the island, Üstel noted that the Turkish Cypriot people would resolutely continue their existence on the basis of sovereign equality in full solidarity, harmony, and cooperation with motherland Türkiye.

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel condemned both the dangerous rise of the EOKA mentality in South Cyprus and the burning of the flags of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

According to a statement from the Prime Ministry, Üstel stressed that the recent developments in South Cyprus clearly shown that a dangerous mindset targeting peace, tranquillity, and stability on the island is being revived.

He stated that presenting the crimes against humanity committed by the EOKA terrorist organization as “heroism” not only distorted historical facts but also systematically fuelled hatred and hostility.

He underlined that it was an unacceptable irresponsibility for this mindset to be openly embraced by the Greek Cypriot administration and certain political and religious authorities abroad.

“The toxic ideas and language used by Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Orthodox Archbishop Georgios, some Greek Cypriot politicians, and certain international officials who have surrendered to this mindset serve not peace but conflict on the island. This hate speech feeds younger generations with hostility and puts at risk the future of our island, which should be filled with peace and tranquillity” Üstel said.

Stressing that the burning of the flags of the Republic of Türkiye and the TRNC by Greek Cypriot youth during Easter events was not just a provocation but a clear sign of disrespect, hostility, and hatred toward the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people, Üstel said, “We strongly condemn these actions.”

“All these actions directly overshadow efforts to find a solution between the sides and irreversibly damage the climate of trust. This is now clear: this endless hatred, hostility, and aggression will not come to an end. The mindset is the same and has not changed. Therefore, the most realistic and only sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is possible through the acceptance of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people” the Premier said.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot people would continue to live on the island with dignity under the roof of their own state and with the guarantee of Türkiye, Üstel stressed, “No threat, no provocation, no hostile attempt can deter us from this path.”

“We have always stood for peace, dialogue, and good neighbourly relations. However, we will neither remain silent in the face of these attacks nor give up on the security, peace, and state of our people. In full solidarity, harmony, and cooperation with our motherland Türkiye, we will continue to stand firmly against all threats directed at our state and our people. We are fully capable of doing so,” he added.

Calling on the Greek Cypriot side to act with common sense, behave responsibly, and refrain from hate speech, Üstel said, “The Turkish Cypriots are not alone. No power or rhetoric can make us give up these lands. It must be known that we will continue to exist on this land forever.”