The Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu and other ministers also issued messages on Monday to mark the 58th anniversary of the epic Erenköy resistance.
All the messages issued highlighted the importance of the event in the history of the Turkish Cypriot peoples’ struggle for existence.
In his message to mark the day, the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre said that the Erenköy resistance should be a stark reminder to those who aim to do away with the Turkish Cypriot peoples’ freedom.
He said the resistance proved that the Turkish Cypriot people will never surrender their freedom, independence or their flag.
“Erenköy was more than just a piece of land; it was a symbol of resistance that will be remembered in pride by generations to come. We owe our freedom, our honour and state to those who so unselfishly sacrificed their lives,” he said.
Töre also said that the Turkish Cypriot people will never forget captain Cengiz Topel from the Turkish Air force who was tortured to death by his Greek Cypriot captors after his plane was shot down.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel in his message said that the Erenköy resistance was one of the most glorious resistances in the history of the Turkish Cypriot people.
He said that there were many lessons to be derived from the event and in understanding how the Turkish Cypriot people succeeded in achieving what they possess today.
“The Erenköy resistance showed to the world that the Turkish Cypriot people will not accept coming under the domination of others or accept captivity.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu in his message shared the view that the Erenköy Resistance laid the foundations of the freedom and independence of the Turkish Cypriot people.
He said the resistance showed that the Turkish Cypriot people would abandon all other things and would rush to the front when it came to defending their independence, freedom, homeland and the flag.
Meanwhile, other state and government officials also issued messages to mark the significance of the day.