“Had we advanced further south, Cyprus would have fallen entirely under our control,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said when he addressed the staff of the 4th Army Corps in Ankara, making controversial remarks about Cyprus and emphasizing the importance of military strength.
During an iftar dinner, marking the break of fasting during Ramadan, Erdogan reflected on Turkey’s military intervention in Cyprus in 1974. He argued that without Turkey’s intervention, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Turkish Cypriots would not exist today. Erdogan even suggested that if Turkey had advanced further south, Cyprus would be entirely under Turkish control.
Erdogan’s statements come on the heels of the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli, a significant event in Turkish history. He stressed the necessity of a strong military, stating that it is not a choice but an obligation for Turkey. Erdogan emphasized the importance of maintaining a deterrent capability to protect against enemies.
The president’s remarks have sparked controversy, particularly regarding Turkey’s stance on Cyprus and its military posture.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
