In a statement issued by the DMM, it was noted that Turkey carried out the July 20, 1974, Cyprus Peace Operation to put an end to attempts aimed at completely eliminating the Turkish presence on the island and to stop systematic massacres.
Emphasizing that claims appearing on some social media accounts that "Turkey is an occupier in Cyprus and its military presence on the island is illegitimate" are completely baseless, the statement noted the following:
"The intervention on the island was carried out on a legitimate basis within the framework of international rights and obligations arising from the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. Thanks to the operation, peace was established throughout the island, and the path was cleared for the overthrow of the junta in Greece, whose 'Enosis' ambitions had failed, thereby ensuring the return of democracy to Greece.
The presence of the Turkish soldier on the island is not an 'occupation,' but the sole guarantee of the life safety and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot people, and of the environment of peace that has prevailed on the island since 1974.
Disinformation activities targeting Turkey's peaceful and legal moves by factions that pursue policies of occupation and annexation while disregarding international law, human rights, and borders are nothing more than a perception operation conducted with a psychology of guilt. The public is kindly requested not to give credence to such content."
News Source: 12punto
