Statement on Cyprus from the Presidency of Turkey: Not an invasion, but a security guarantee

The Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of Turkey rejected claims circulating on social media that Turkey is an occupying force in Cyprus and that its military presence on the island is illegal. The Directorate of Communications argued that the Peace Operation on 20 July 1974 was carried out to stop attempts to completely eliminate the Turkish presence on the island and systematic massacres. It was stated that the said military operation was based on the rights and obligations arising from the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.

Turkey asserts that the military operation brought peace to the entire island and contributed to the fall of the junta regime in Greece. It is emphasized that the Turkish troops in Cyprus are not an invasion, but rather the sole guarantor of the peaceful environment prevailing on the island since 1974 and the security of the Turkish Cypriots. The Presidency prefers to describe this military presence as a security guarantee for the island.

In its statement, the Directorate of Communications also drew attention to the 'disinformation campaigns' conducted against Turkey. It was claimed that these campaigns originate from circles that disregard international law and human rights, and pursue policies of invasion and annexation. The statement described these claims as 'public manipulation' and called on the public not to believe such unfounded rumors.