The 43rd anniversary of the Yeşilırmak Resistance was commemorated yesterday, with remembrance ceremonies held for those who lost their lives defending the village.In his address to mark the occasion, Prime Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün stressed that the Yeşilırmak Resistance was one of the most significant events in the Turkish Cypriot struggle for existence. Özgürgün stated, "This resistance provides an important opportunity to understand and remember the challenging and struggles for the continuation of Turkish presence on this island, and illustrates how far the Turkish Cypriot people have come. By risking their lives, our people have shown the world that they will not accept any captivity despite the difficult circumstances of the Yeşilırmak Resistance, an honourable event in our history. Turkish Cypriots have achieved a free and independent state thanks to their will, determination, and their faith and trust in our Motherland Turkey".Furthermore, Özgürgün expressed the importance of passing down "legends" such as the Yeşilırmak Resistance to new generations stating, "I think that the current facts must be accepted on the Cyprus issue - it must be understood that we will never concede our sovereignty or Motherland Turkey's guarantee."