The Turkish Ministry of National Defence marked the anniversary of the second phase of Turkey’s 1974 invasion of Cyprus by invoking the slogan “Let Ayşe go on holiday”.
In a post on X, the ministry reiterated Turkey’s longstanding position, referring to the invasion as the “Happy Peace Operation”.
Ministry repeats Turkish position
The ministry said the Turkish Armed Forces launched the operation on 20 July 1974, claiming its purpose was “to stop the inhumane massacres against Turkish Cypriots”.
It further claimed that the second phase began on 14 August 1974 with the slogan “Let Ayşe go on holiday”, following what it described as “the uncompromising stance of the Greek Cypriot and Greek sides at the Geneva Conferences”.
Message on 52nd anniversary
Marking the anniversary, the ministry said it remembered “our Turkish Cypriot compatriots who were brutally massacred, our martyrs and our veterans who have passed into eternity”.
It also wished surviving veterans health and a long life.
Source: CNA
