National Struggle Service Medals were awarded to retired freedom fighters in the Mesarya region on Monday.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel who said that the Greek Cypriots’ mentality has never changed.

The TMT Freedom Fighters’ Association continued to hand out service medals to those who served in the Turkish Cypriot Resistance Organisation during the national struggle years on Monday.

Medals were awarded to those in the Mesarya region.

Speaking during the ceremony, the President of the TMT Freedom Fighters’ Association Yılmaz Bora said that they were proud to be handing out medals on the anniversary of Atatürk receiving the title of “Gazi” which means veteran in Turkish and the rank of Marshall.

“It is important future generations know how the struggle was won and how we came to where we are today.

Also speaking, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said that the TRNC had been founded following the great sacrifices of the martyrs and veterans.

He said that they remained the guardians of the state founded in 1983.