Today is the 48th anniversary of the coup staged in Cyprus by the Greek Junta and the members of the EOKA terrorist organization and the 6th anniversary of the July 15 defeated coup attempt in Türkiye orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its US-based leader Fetullah Gülen.
A ceremony was held in the TRNC this morning to commemorate those martyred in Türkiye.
As part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day in Türkiye, two separate ceremonies will be held at the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s (TBMM) Ceremonial Hall and in front of the TBMM July 15 Martyrs’ Monument which will also be attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
A similar ceremony was held at the Boğaz Martyrs Cemetery in the TRNC.
The Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Ali Murat Başçeri and President Ersin Tatar delivered speeches at the ceremony which was broadcast live on BRT.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Ali Murat Başçeri said that the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation had revealed its dark face on July 15, 2016 as it attempted to take control of Türkiye.
He said that a great struggle had been waged over the past year to flush out members of the FETÖ organisation both in Türkiye and abroad.
Başçeri concluded his speech by expressing his gratitude and paying his respects to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives on July 20, 1974 and on July 15, 2016.
President Ersin Tatar who also spoke at the ceremony said that the peace and tranquillity of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus would have been affected had the sinister coup been successful.
“However the coup attempt was foiled by forces under the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,” he said.
Also touching upon the coup orchestrated in Cyprus in 1974, Tatar said that the coup had ended with the timely intervention of Türkiye.
“Unfortunately, the Greek Cypriot administration forgot how the developments unfolded and welcomed the coup attempt in Türkiye, dreaming that it would result in the departure of Turkish troops from the island,” he said.
Meanwhile, prayers were recited for the martyrs at all mosques throughout the TRNC.