Turkey's Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has strongly protested the decision made by the European Parliament regarding Cyprus.
Medianews.az reports that the ministry has issued a statement on the matter.
The statement noted that the allegations targeting the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation and the Turkish Armed Forces are unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable.
It emphasized that the decision, made without considering the systematic attacks, massacres, and forced displacements that the Turkish Cypriots have been subjected to over the years, is the result of a one-sided approach and Greek Cypriot propaganda.
The MSB noted that since 1963, the EOKA organization destroyed 103 Turkish villages with the aim of Enosis, displaced approximately 30,000 Turkish Cypriots from their homeland, and women, children, and elderly people were killed.
The ministry stated that it is “tragicomic” for those who ignore the "Bloody Christmas", Ayvasil, Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar massacres to try to accuse the Turkish Armed Forces today.
The statement said that Turkey, as a guarantor state, carried out the Cyprus Peace Operation in 1974 based on its rights arising from international agreements, ensured the security of Turkish Cypriots, and established peace and stability on the island.
MSB stressed that the presence of Turkish soldiers in Cyprus has remained a guarantee of peace, security, and stability for more than half a century.
The ministry added that Turkey will continue to protect the rights and security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as well as the Turkish Cypriot people as a guarantor state. It was also stated that the Turkish Armed Forces are ready to respond decisively to any hostile moves targeting the security of Turkish Cypriots.