On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, Turkey’s leading party chairman Özgür Özel paid a visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, marking this significant milestone with solemn ceremonies and reaffirming Turkey’s steadfast support for the Turkish Cypriot community. Özel, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, visited the memorials of Dr. Fazıl Küçük and Dr. Rauf Raif Denktaş, paying homage to the pivotal figures in the Turkish Cypriot struggle for independence and freedom.
Özgür Özel stated, “There is immense benefit in reducing tensions in Cyprus for the common interests and just cause of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriots. We will continue to contribute to Cyprus. We do not call this place a ‘baby homeland’. This is our brother country.”
Arriving in the Northern Cyprus on July 20th, Özel was joined by CHP General Secretary Selin Sayek Böke, Deputy Chairman responsible for Foreign Affairs İlhan Uzgel, Deputy Chairman responsible for National Defence Yankı Bağcıoğlu, Istanbul MP Namık Tan, and Party Assembly Member Selin Kırçiçek. The delegation also included former CHP leaders Altan Öymen, Hikmet Çetin, and Murat Karayalçın, along with Önder Sav, the Minister of Labour in the cabinet that executed the Peace Operation.
Özel’s first stop was the memorial of Dr. Fazıl Küçük, the first Vice President of the Northern Cyprus. He was welcomed by Küçük’s son, Mehmet Küçük, and granddaughter, Selen Süheyle Küçük. After laying a wreath and observing a moment of silence, the delegation performed the Turkish national anthem and Özel signed the memorial book, expressing profound respect for Küçük’s legacy.
In his message, Özel wrote, “The leadership and dedication you demonstrated in the independence and freedom struggle of the Turkish Cypriots will forever live in our hearts. Your courageous voice through the newspaper ‘Halkın Sesi’ became a beacon for the rights and advocacy of the Turkish Cypriot people. We will always honour your fight for the well-being and bright future of the Turkish Cypriots.”
Following the ceremony, Özel engaged in a conversation with Önder Sav and Mehmet Küçük. Mehmet Küçük recalled a visit from Bülent Ecevit shortly after his father’s passing, expressing gratitude for Ecevit’s respect and the role he played in the Turkish Cypriot national struggle.
Önder Sav remarked, “Any Turkish government would have made the same decision under those circumstances. We did our duty, and we see that our efforts were not in vain. I hope for better days ahead for Cyprus, with a more prosperous and healthier life for the Turkish Cypriots. It is gratifying to see our tradition in the CHP continuing with our current leader, as it did with our esteemed former leaders.”
Özel highlighted the CHP’s unwavering support over the past 50 years for the Turkish Cypriot cause. “We have always stood behind the struggle of the Turkish Cypriots. We will work together for a future where both peace and freedom prevail, and unjust international restrictions on Cyprus are lifted.”
In a statement reflecting on recent diplomatic and negotiation efforts, Özel noted, “If there is a place that needs normalisation more than Turkey, it is Cyprus. All parties here need to unite. Historically, there have been times in Cyprus when domestic politics were set aside, and everyone stood together. Reducing tensions in Cyprus significantly benefits the common interests and just cause of the Turkish Cypriots. We are pleased to hear this and will continue to contribute. We do not call this place a ‘baby homeland’. This is our brother country.”
