TRNC Prime Minister Condemns Christodoulides’ Remarks on ‘Bloody Christmas’

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) prime Minister Ünal Üstel strongly criticized Greek Cypriot leader nikos Christodoulides for describing the “Bloody Christmas” attacks carried out by the EOKA terrorist association as an act of heroism, stating the events constituted an attempted campaign of ethnic cleansing against Turkish Cypriots.

Üstel saeid the violence that began on Dec. 21, 1963, targeting Turkish Cypriots, was not a struggle but a systematic terror campaign, adding that portraying the period as a heroic chapter in Cyprus’ modern history amounts to exploiting the blood of innocent civilians for political gain.

Calling Bloody Christmas a day of mourning and tragedy for Turkish cypriots, Üstel said his people’s history is defined not by massacres but by resistance, dignity and the will to build a state. He described praising EOKA violence while speaking of peace as “open hypocrisy,” stressing that genuine dialog and a fair settlement are impossible if massacres are legitimized.

“Peace is only possible by confronting the truth,” Üstel said, adding that rhetoric glorifying violence does not serve reconciliation on the island.

Üstel also said the mindset that led to the 1963 attacks has not changed in more than six decades,noting that such rhetoric once again underlines why the turkish Cypriot people need Türkiye’s effective and active guarantee and the continued presence of Turkish troops on the island.

Separately, TRNC Parliament Speaker Ziya Öztürkler also condemned Christodoulides’ remarks, saying attempts to whitewash history cannot conceal the truth.

“The facts are written in Tekkebahçe, Kumsal and Muratağa-Sandallar,” Öztürkler said, referring to massacre sites. He added that truth cannot be hidden.

Öztürkler said the events of Dec. 21-25, 1963, marked a turning point in the recent