Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus now represented in Turkic, Islamic groupings despite Greek Cypriot efforts, says President Erdogan

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Despite Greek Cypriot efforts to paint themselves as the "sole authority" on the island, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is now represented in international groupings of Turkic and Islamic countries, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.

"Although the Greek Cypriots try to present themselves as the sole authority on the island, the TRNC is now represented at both the Organization of Turkic States and Organization of Islamic Cooperation," Erdogan said in his address to a July 20 Peace and Freedom Day parade in the TRNC capital Lefkosa.

Erdogan urged the global community to forge ties with the TRNC, both diplomatic and economic, adding that the direct flights and trade must also be allowed.

Turkish Cypriots can't afford to lose another 60 years, Erdogan said, adding that it's time to move beyond the "outdated, UN-backed federation model" for the island.

Insisting on a solution model that Turkish Cypriots have clearly withdrawn their support from and that has failed many times before benefits no one, he added.

On the years of oppression the Turkish Cypriots suffered, he said "we have not forgotten" what happened to the Turkish Cypriots, stressing that Türkiye will do whatever it takes to prevent any recurrence of such pain.

"With the landing of Turkish soldiers on the island for the (1974) Cyprus Peace Operation, the whole world saw the Turkish Cypriots did not stand alone," he added.

Turkish Cypriots will forever live free in their own homeland, with Türkiye's full support, no matter what anyone says, Erdogan vowed.