Turkish Cypriot leaders respond to EOKA anniversary commemorations

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman and 'Prime Minister' Unal Ustel issued statements following the anniversary of the April 1st start of the EOKA movement. This date marks the beginning of the EOKA armed struggle against British rule in Cyprus, an event commemorated in the Republic of Cyprus. Erhurman expressed concerns via social media that the Greek Cypriot side remains focused on the past rather than the future. He emphasized the necessity of using history for learning but questioned the commitment to moving forward. Unal Ustel criticized President Nikos Christodoulides for his remarks regarding the anniversary. Ustel alleged that celebrating EOKA distorts history and hinders efforts to build a common future on the island. He further reiterated the demand for sovereign equality, arguing that reconciliation requires acknowledging diverse historical narratives.