Ertuğruloğlu: We Remain Committed To A Two-State Solution With Turkey's Support

In a message marking the 52nd anniversary of the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day, Ertuğruloğlu described the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation as a historic turning point that secured the safety and freedom of the Turkish Cypriot people.

"We proudly celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the July 20, 1974 Peace Operation, the turning point of our struggle for existence, through which our security and freedom were guaranteed," he said.

The foreign minister said that members of the Turkish Resistance Organisation (TMT) and Turkish troops had fought side by side on July 20, bringing to an end what he described as decades-long attempts to eliminate the Turkish Cypriot people and laying the foundations for a settlement on the island.

Ertuğruloğlu said the Turkish Cypriot side remains committed to pursuing a two-state solution based on sovereign equality.

"As in the past, we continue to pursue our goal of a two-state solution in Cyprus based on sovereign equality with the unwavering support of our motherland, the Republic of Turkey, which has always stood by us, protecting our rights and interests," he said.

He also paid tribute to founding TRNC president Rauf Denktaş, Turkish Cypriot leader Dr Fazıl Küçük, and former Turkish prime minister Bülent Ecevit and deputy prime minister Necmettin Erbakan, who led the 1974 military operation.

Ertuğruloğlu concluded by honouring those who lost their lives during the conflict and expressing gratitude to veterans, while extending his congratulations on the 52nd anniversary of the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day.