After paying price, Turkish Cypriots can never give up their independence: Tatar

After paying such a high price, Turkish Cypriots can never give up their independence, freedom, or sovereignty, said the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) president on Aug. 8. 

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Speaking at a ceremony marking the 57th anniversary of the Erenköy Resistance - when Turkish Cypriots defended themselves against Greek Cypriots in 1964, 10 years before Turkey's Cyprus Peace Operation - TRNC President Ersin Tatar said 563 students came from Turkey, the UK, and other places to support the Erenköy Resistance and risked their lives for the sake of the homeland and just struggle of Turkish Cypriots.

Tatar emphasized the importance of Erenköy, saying that it served as a lifesaver for Turkish Cypriots during the years of struggle.

"The students went to Erenköy in boats to go to their death and they fought a great struggle here for two years," he said, adding that while the U.N. has always been a mere spectator, the Greeks turned this region into a target.

He underscored that the Turkish Air Force's presence in Erenköy in 1964 was a turning point, adding that the intervention was, in a sense, preparation for the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation.

"In Erenköy, the message that 'Turkish Cypriots are ready to die for the sake of the land and homeland' was given to the whole world," Tatar said.

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He added: "Turkish Cypriots resisted until 1974 after Erenköy, and with the intervention of their motherland Turkey in 1974, the conditions for the Turkish Cypriot people to live in peace, freedom, and security in these lands were ensured."

Tatar also paid tribute to Turkish Air Force Pilot Captain Cengiz Topel, whose plane was shot down on Aug. 7, 1964, while on a warning flight over Greek Cypriot soldiers firing on...