Peace and tranquility has come to the island since 1974, when the "peacekeeping operation" in Cyprus took place, Turkish Defence Minister Houloussi Akar claimed, referring to the Turkish invasion. He also said that there can be no solution in Cyprus if the Turkish existence on the island is not respected. He also claimed that some politicians in Greece are unfortunately sabotaging and destroying Greece's peace initiatives. He argued that with their inexplicable love for armaments, they continue to do everything they can to disrupt peace and stability between the two countries.
Speaking at a reception to mark the 39th anniversary of the founding of the pseudo-state, Houloussi Akar said that the pseudo-state reached this point after the great struggle of the TCs, who showed their perseverance and determination to determine their own destiny.
"No one should forget that our Cypriot brothers were persecuted until the peace operation and we must tell the younger generations that it is not easy to reach these days. As a state of the Republic of Turkey and as the Turkish Armed Forces, we have stood by our Cypriot brothers and we will continue to stand by them. We have supported the just cause of our Cypriot brothers and sisters to date and will continue to support them with the same perseverance and determination. No one should question this," he said.
Saying that "Cyprus is our national issue", Houloussi Akar said that Turkey has done what is necessary within the framework of the guarantor and alliance agreements and will continue to do so in the future. He argued that Turkey and the pseudo-state have shown at every opportunity that they are for peace, but the steps taken for this peace are not understood and the outstretched hand of peace is rejected. The Turkish Minister said that "this should be seen especially by third parties. We expect third parties to look at the facts objectively and impartially and to render the rights" of the TCs. "We saw together that there can be no solution if these are not accepted and if the Turkish existence is not respected," he added."
He claimed that a solution cannot be reached after half a century of negotiations. "What did we do after that, we made our decision: We are talking about two sovereign, independent states. The issue is no longer the establishment of this state, but the recognition of this state that has been established," he said."
Referring to the importance of granting observer member status to the pseudo-state
within the Organization of Turkic States, Houloussi Akar said that "we have done and will continue to do what needs to be done within the framework of the guarantee and alliance agreements. On the other hand, we continue to effectively maintain our relations with Greece and reach out for peace. We are in favour of peace and negotiations. [WE ARE IN FAVOUR OF RESOLVING THE PROBLEMS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE BY PEACEFUL MEANS[/B] and methods, but on the other hand, everyone must know that we will not allow our rights or those of our Cypriot brothers to be violated, we will not allow a fait accompli. Saying 'peace' is not a weakness and saying 'we will protect our rights' is not a threat in any way."However, he continued, "some politicians in Greece unfortunately sabotage and destroy our work and peace initiatives, sacrificing the rights and interests of the two countries for their own internal conflicts. At the same time, these politicians endanger the security and well-being of their own people with their actions. With their inexplicable love of armament, they continue to do everything they can to disrupt the peace and stability between the two countries. We have always said that we are for dialogue, but we will not allow our rights and justice to be violated as well."
Source: CNA
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