Events marking the anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus have begun in the north.
The main military parade is scheduled for 6pm, not in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, but of Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, who is representing Ankara at this year's commemorations.
At the same time, aircraft from the Turkish Air Force's SoloTürk aerobatic display team will fly over the so-called Victory Monument at the Kyrenia landing beach.
According to Turkish Cypriot news website Kıbrıs Postası, although Erdoğan will not attend this year's 20 July ceremonies, "political observers and diplomatic sources note that the programme will take place in a different political atmosphere from the conventional commemorations of previous years,"
The report adds that, due to new UN diplomatic initiatives, energy-related developments and broader international developments, "the diplomatic dimension of the ceremonies is expected once again to be at the forefront."
According to reports from the occupied areas, at 3pm inauguration ceremonies will be held for the so-called Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Centre and the headquarters of the Turkish Cypriot Coastal Safety and Rescue Company in Famagusta, projects implemented through Turkish funding protocols.
During a ceremony on Saturday at the grave of Fazıl Küçük in occupied Nicosia, where the Turkish Cypriot leadership laid a wreath, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman wrote in the memorial book: "We will continue to walk the path you opened with the same determination and work with all our strength to ensure that the Turkish Cypriot people achieve the future of peace, prosperity and justice they deserve."
At 8.30pm, Erhürman is scheduled to host a reception to mark the anniversary of 20 July.
As part of the commemorations, the Turkish Navy submarine İnönü (S-360), missile attack craft TCG Zıpkın (P-336) and frigate TCG Gökova (F-496) will anchor in or off the coast of Kyrenia.
Source: CNA
