Öztürkler: Turkish Cypriots’ guarantee is Türkiye and Mehmetçik

Öztürkler said at Sadrazamköy that the joint operational capability, superior firepower, discipline and coordination of Turkish Armed Forces’ land, sea and air components had once again been witnessed. He stressed that Turkish Cypriots favour peace, but that the desire for peace should not be seen as weakness.

Öztürkler recalled a 1 October ceremony held on the Greek Cypriot side with the participation of foreign military units. He said he believed the Greek Cypriot National Guard and the Greek Cypriot political leadership were closely watching the military capability displayed in Sadrazamköy. Stressing that the guarantee of Turkish Cypriot security is not foreign armies, he noted that Türkiye came to the aid of Turkish Cypriots in 1974.

Referring to Martyr Captain Cengiz Topel and all martyrs, Öztürkler said two flags would continue to fly proudly on the land entrusted to them. He added that peace can only be protected through strong defence, deterrence and unshakeable national will. He concluded his message with the words: “History is witness; the Turkish Cypriot people are here, Türkiye is here, Mehmetçik is here.”