Öztürkler declares Turkish Cypriots as perpetual owners of land on 52nd anniversary of 1974 peace operation

Turkish politician Öztürkler marked the 52nd anniversary of the 20 July 1974 Mutlu Barış Harekâtı, honoring the martyrs of the 1967 and 1974 conflicts. He said the Turkish Cypriot community "is the rightful owner of these lands and will continue to live here forever," stressing that Turkey’s guarantee and the Turkish armed forces’ presence on the island are unquestionable.

Öztürkler urged a correct reading of the island’s history, highlighting the importance of the 1960 and 1963 developments, the Greek coup of 15 July 1974, and the ensuing peace operation. He warned that an accurate understanding of past events is essential for current and future negotiations, and called on future generations to remember the sacrifices that secured today’s freedom.