Turkish Cypriots celebrate July 20 peace and freedom day

July 20 Peace and Freedom Day, which marks the 35th anniversary of Turkey's 1974 Peace Operation on the island, was celebrated with official ceremonies and parades in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) yesterday. Speaking at an official ceremony at Girne's (Kyrenia) Bogaz Martyrs Monument, also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek, State Minister and chief negotiator for Turkey's European Union talks Egemen Bagis, TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, former TRNC President Rauf Denktas, TRNC Parliament Speaker Hasan Bozer, Turkish First Army Commander Ergin Saygun, Turkish Peace Forces in the TRNC Commander Hilmi Akin Zorlu, and many other officials and guests, TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat called July 20 the beginning of the survival of the Turkish Cypriots, adding that it should not be seen as a symbol of a stalemate on the Cyprus issue but instead an breakthrough towards reaching a lasting solution. On the ongoing comprehensive talks between the island's two sides, Talat said, "We are not far from a solution to the Cyprus issue," but added, "In light of lessons from past inconsistent behavior by the Greek Cypriots and the European Union and not wanting to again disappoint the Turkish Cypriots, we are acting quietly and prudently." UN-brokered efforts to reunite Cyprus collapsed in 2004 when the Greek Cypriots rejected a reunification plan in a referendum. The Turkish Cypriots approved the plan in a simultaneous vote. Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Christofias launched peace talks last September aimed at finding a comprehensive solution to the division of the island. Stating that the 1974 peace operation served to safeguard the basic rights and freedoms of Turkish Cypriots and affirm their rights of partnership on the island, Talat said, "We have moved towards a realistic, peaceful and permanent solution to the issue thanks to the peace operation." He added, "A solution on Cyprus cannot be reached while disregarding the presence of the Turkish Cypriots, leaving the Turkish Cypriots out of the economic, social and cultural life of the island, and denying Turkish Cypriots' political equality and self-rule. The political parameters that emerged on July 20, 1974 showed the reality to the Greek Cypriots and the entire world in a concrete way." Expressing firm determination to reach a just, permanent and secure solution to the issue, Talat said Turkish Cypriots aim to receive the status they deserve in the EU, and to receive recognition under international law. Stressing Turkish Cypriots' appreciation for Turkey and the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) for the peace operation, and for the Turkish people's support, Talat said the martyrs and veterans who took part in the operation would always be remembered with gratitude and respect.