The 47th anniversary of the Yeşilırmak Resistance and its liberation from surrounding Greek-Greek Cypriot forces was commemorated on Sunday with ceremonies held in the area.
Two separate ceremonies were held at the village to remember those who fell during the resistance put up.
The first ceremony was held at the Yeşilırmak martyrs’ cemetery.
A second ceremony was held in front of the bust of Atatürk.
Wreaths were laid, a minutes silence was observed before the raising of the flags to the national anthem during the ceremonies.
Delivering a speech at the event, Prime Minister Ersan Saner paid tribute to Bülent Ecevit and Necmettin Erbakan who were the architects of the liberation of Yeşilırmak.
Noting that the Greek Cypriots would have reached their goal of ENOSIS if these heroes didn’t exist, the premier said “we live happily and freely in the TRNC today thanks to these heroes.”
Touching upon the Cyprus issue, Saner noted that the Turkish side used every means available in order to reach a comprehensive solution in Cyprus under the auspices of the UN but despite all these efforts, the Greek Cypriots rejected all proposals.
Stressing that the TRNC has come a long way economically and politically since it was established in 1983, he said, adding that Turkish Cypriots will continue to live freely and securely under the roof of their own state.
Pointing out that it was out of the question to accept the Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades’ call to return to the 1960 Republic, Saner reminded that the partnership state established in 1960 had been destroyed by the Greek Cypriot side through the force of arms.
He reminded that the 13 amendments made by the Greek Cypriots to the constitution of the Cyprus Republic in 1963 were unacceptable.
“We, the Turkish Cypriot People, rejected these 13 amendments in 1963 and waged a struggle to exist on this island. I want to declare to the world that we will continue to live freely and with our head held high together with Turkey.”
Noting that the UN is continuing to uphold its biggest mistake of unilaterally recognizing the Greek Cypriot administration as the legitimate government of the whole island since 1964, Saner called on the UN to acknowledge and amend its decision.
Regarding a solution on the island, Prime Minister Saner said that prospects of reaching a federal solution in Cyprus had collapsed in Crans Montana.
He added that the Turkish Cypriot People will never compromise its sovereignty.
Noting that the government was continuing to work in full harmony with President Ersin Tatar, he said the latest game-changing policy on Maraş proved how the Turkish Cypriot people were a sovereign entity on the island.
Saner also added that they were working heartily to get over the Covid-19 pandemic with minimum damage and to further improve the economy.