Muhammet Ikbal Arslan
14 October 2019•Update: 14 October 2019
LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Senior officials of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Sunday voiced support for Turkey’s recently launched operation in northern Syria.
“We're always together [with Turkey]. … The only right way for us is to act with Turkey and to stand shoulder to shoulder in this cause. People of TRNC stands by Turkey in its Operation Peace Spring,” Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersin Tatar told Turkey’s Communication Director Fahrettin Altun over the phone.
Tatar’s statement came after TRNC President Mustafa Akinci’s remarks against Turkey's military operation in Syria.
On Akinci’s remarks, Tatar said: “Turkish people should know that Ersin Tatar and his colleagues, National Unity Party, and other nationalists do not agree with those comments.”
Turkey on Wednesday launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.
TRNC Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kudret Ozersay also expressed support for Turkey’s anti-terror operation in northern Syria.
“What we will do but support Turkey, our strategic partner and ally in every era, in their operation against terrorist groups for their own security,” he added.
The top diplomat said they stand by Turkey in its firm stance against terrorists and will continue to support it.
Mehmet Ali Talat, a former president of TRNC, also backed Turkey’s Syria operation, saying there is a great need for peace in the region.
“I hope Turkey’s military operation succeeds immediately and it paves the way for people in the region to live in peace,” he said on Twitter.
Ankara wants to clear northern Syria east of the Euphrates River of the terrorist PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the PYD/YPG.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the European Union -- has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.
*Writing by Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak
