The 1974 landing beach— namely Five Mile Beach near Kyrenia, from the vakif administration of the pseudo-state, with the aim of preserving its “its historical character and to transform it into an open-air museum in honor of the operation in Cyprus on July 20, 1974.”

As reported in the occupied territories, Turkish Cypriot media state that a statement from the Waqf adds that this was done following “mutual consultation and coordination” and that the Waqf Board of Directors made the decision based on a proposal by its Director General, Mustafa Tümer.

The Waqf administration states that the “landing beach” cannot be viewed merely as a coastal area with commercial activities. “It is a historically and spiritually significant area that holds a unique place in the collective memory of our nation, preserving the sacred memory of our martyrs, as it was the first landing point of the Peace Operation in Cyprus on July 20, 1974.”

It is also noted that the authority to make decisions regarding the lease, use, and other provisions concerning the property in question—that is, the beach—lies with the waqf administration within the framework of current “legislation,” adding that the leasing process was conducted entirely within “legal authority” and that there is no change in ownership. “The aforementioned leasing process does not result in any change in the property’s ownership, and its status as the foundation’s property remains exactly as it is,” the statement notes.

The waqf administration concludes that, contrary to the perception being attempted to be created, the process is not based on the unilateral assessment of any individual or institution. “It is based on an institutional process conducted in accordance with mutual consultation, coordination, and official evaluations by the relevant state institutions. This area should be preserved as a place of remembrance that conveys the sacrifice of our martyrs, the struggle for the survival of Turkish Cypriots, and the spirit of July 20, 1974, to future generations,” she argues.

Today, Yeni Bakış ran a front-page story reporting that three Turkish Cypriot businessmen who had invested $3 million in developing the site there were met with a refusal by the “commander” of the “peacekeeping forces” to renew their contract with the waqf administration and were protesting the problems this decision is causing them.

Source: KYPE