Lefkosa: A program was held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on the 10th anniversary of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization's (FETO) failed coup attempt, commemorated as July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.

According to Anadolu Agency, the event was organized by the TRNC Representative Office of the Union of International Democrats (UID) to honor those who lost their lives in the July 15, 2016, defeated coup bid. The program, held at Lefkosa National Garden, saw attendance from TRNC Parliament Speaker Ziya Ozturkler, Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosa Ali Murat Basceri, Cabinet ministers, lawmakers, and members of civil society.

The event commenced with a moment of silence, followed by the Turkish national anthem and a Quran recitation. UID TRNC Regional President Fadil Sanverdi addressed the attendees, stating that those killed during the failed coup sacrificed their lives for the nation. He paid tribute to the victims and expressed gratitude towards veterans.

Ambassador Basceri highlighted the manipulative tactics of FETO, which aimed to undermine the people's will through infiltrated institutions. "On July 15, 2016, FETO collided with the will of the people," Basceri remarked, emphasizing the nation's resilience in protecting its democratic values and independence.

Basceri also noted the support from the people of the TRNC, who gathered at the Turkish embassy on the coup night to show solidarity with Trkiye. Parliament Speaker Ozturkler praised the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the steadfast resistance of the Turkish nation, crediting them for thwarting the coup attempt. He acknowledged the unwavering support of the Turkish Cypriot people for Trkiye and democracy defenders.

The program concluded with a conversation featuring Cevat Olcok, brother of July 15 victim Erol Olcok, and a musical performance by Turkish folk singer Ugur Isilak.