Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz rejects European Parliament resolution on 1974 events

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz has formally rejected a recent European Parliament resolution concerning allegations of sexual violence against women during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Yilmaz described the resolution as legally and morally unfounded, asserting that it lacks any validity. He claimed that the European Parliament acted under the influence of Greek Cypriot lobbies, which he argues undermines the institution's credibility and impartiality. According to Yilmaz, the European Union lost its objectivity on the Cyprus issue upon the accession of the Republic of Cyprus. He characterized the 1974 military action as a peace operation that brought stability to the island, while calling for historical focus on the EOKA coup and subsequent violence. Additionally, Yilmaz contrasted the Parliament's stance on this issue with its perceived silence regarding the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He stated that Turkey acted as a guarantor power to prevent a tragedy, rejecting any historical responsibility for the events cited in the resolution.