Cevdet Yılmaz Rejects European Parliament Resolution, Says It Has "No Legal Or Moral Basis"

Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Yılmaz said the Turkish government considers the resolution "null and void" and rejects it unequivocally.

He argued that the European Parliament has acted under the influence of Greek Cypriot lobbying efforts and has adopted a position that undermines its impartiality.

"This approach also damages the institutional credibility of the European Parliament," Yılmaz said, adding that the European Union lost its ability to remain neutral on the Cyprus issue when it admitted the Greek Cypriot administration as a member despite, he argued, disregarding its own principles.

Yılmaz maintained that the historical circumstances that made the 1974 Peace Operation necessary should be condemned instead, pointing to the coup on the island and the actions of EOKA as the events that led to Turkey's intervention.

He also criticised what he described as the European Parliament's silence over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, arguing that those who fail to respond adequately to ongoing human suffering should not adopt politically motivated positions on Cyprus.

According to Yılmaz, the 1974 operation brought peace and security to the island not only for Turkish Cypriots but also for Greek Cypriots, and has underpinned more than 50 years of peace, security, economic development and democratic stability.

He said Turkey acted within its rights and obligations as a guarantor power under international agreements, arguing that the intervention prevented a far greater humanitarian tragedy.

"If those steps had not been taken at the time, Cyprus could have experienced suffering similar to the humanitarian tragedy we are witnessing in Gaza today," Yılmaz said.

He concluded by expressing hope that members of the European Parliament would adopt a more balanced approach based on historical realities rather than ideological considerations or lobbying efforts.

"The European Parliament's duty is not to serve the political interests of certain groups, but to uphold Europe's fundamental values, the rule of law and fairness," he said.