Issuing a message on the anniversary of Treaty of Lausanne during the independence war of Turkey's people against Western colonialists, President Erdoğan said: "Today, we are proud to celebrate the 96th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne, the founding document of the Republic of Turkey.
This year also represents the centennial of the beginning of our struggle for independence. The Turkish War of Independence was fought against the world’s strongest armies and was crowned with the Treaty of Lausanne, the seal of independence of our country.
The Republic of Turkey, as it was the case a century ago, has also today the strength and determination to eradicate any threat directed towards her independence, survival, and the peace and security of her citizens.
The recent steps we have taken in the Eastern Mediterranean and in northern Syria have demonstrated our sensitivity in protecting the rights and interests of our nation and the Turkish Cypriots. No threat of sanctions, either covert or overt, can deter Turkey from her just cause. (ILKHA)