Bahçeli: Cyprus Has Been Turkish for Centuries and Will Remain Turkish Forever

MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli said provocations continued in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus at a time when efforts were focused on the goals of a “Terror-Free Turkey” and a “Terror-Free Region”, adding, “Cyprus has been Turkish for centuries and will remain Turkish forever.”

Speaking at his party’s parliamentary group meeting at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), Devlet Bahçeli commented on developments in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.

“A TERROR-FREE REGION IS A HISTORICAL AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITY”

Emphasising the importance of the goal of a “Terror-Free Region”, Bahçeli said, “A terror-free region is a historical and moral responsibility for the peace, tranquillity, prosperity and happiness of the Turks, Arabs, Kurds and all peoples who have no choice but to live together in the same geography.”

Bahçeli added, “God willing, we will achieve these goals. We will completely eradicate terrorism and elevate peace to the highest level.”

RAISES ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING VAROSHA AND FAMAGUSTA PORT

Stating that provocations continued in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus at a time when efforts were focused on the goals of a “Terror-Free Turkey” and a “Terror-Free Region”, Bahçeli said they were closely monitoring contacts between representatives of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot side on the island, which he described as “the strategic centre of the Blue Homeland” in Turkey’s security doctrine.

Referring to allegations reported by the Greek Cypriot press, which he said had not been denied, concerning “the transfer of Varosha to United Nations administration and the operation of Famagusta Port under European Commission supervision”, Bahçeli argued that these claims painted a worrying picture regarding the sovereign rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

“A UNITED CYPRUS FEDERATION IS A NAIVE DREAM”

“A United Cyprus Federation is a naive dream and a disaster for Turkish sovereignty,” Bahçeli said.

Claiming that the Greek Cypriot administration had assumed Israel’s “mission of turning Cyprus into an outpost”, Bahçeli called on people living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to remain vigilant.

Bahçeli concluded his speech by saying, “Cyprus has been Turkish for centuries and will remain Turkish forever.”