Intense international reactions are causing the organized episodes which caused in the morning the Turkish occupation forces in the dead zone in the area of ​​Pylas, where they attacked UNFICYP members. The attack was condemned by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cypriot government, the President of the European Council Charles Michel, while UNFICYP itself spoke of “serious crime”.

Athens: “We unequivocally condemn today’s unacceptable attacks”

We unequivocally condemn today’s unacceptable attacks by Turkish Cypriots against members of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), which attempted to prevent unauthorized operations construction of a road within the dead zone near Pyla, emphasizes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The attempt to create executions within the dead zone is a flagrant violation of the status quo, while the attack on members of the UN peacekeeping force constitutes an act of contempt for international legality” it is noted.

“Illegal operations must be stopped immediately and there is a need to avoid any kind of activity that will cause further escalation. Similar actions do not contribute at all to the efforts of the UN to revive the talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem”, says Athens.

Greece is in full coordination with the Republic of Cyprus and will take all appropriate action to international organizations and governments.

Nicosia: “Unacceptable attack”

It’s about unacceptable attack against British and Slovak members of the UN Peacekeeping Force, Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letympiotis says in a written statement.

“Threats against the security of UN peacekeepers are reprehensible and constitute a serious crime under International Law, as rightly stated in the Peacekeeping Force statement. The Government undertakes all diplomatic actions and is in constant contact with the United Nations, Permanent Members of the SA, the EU, the Greek Government and with the leadership of the Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus to prevent the Turkish plans”, points out Mr. Letympiotis.

Charles Michel: “I strongly condemn the attack”

The attack provoked a strong reaction from the president of the European Council Charles Michel.

“I strongly condemn the attack against UNFICYP peacekeepers by Turkish Cypriot personnel in Pyla today. Ensuring the safety of peacekeepers and de-escalating the situation must remain a priority. In contact with Christodoulidis, I closely monitor the situation and call for peace in the region” states the president of the European Council in his message.

UNFICYP: “Serious crime”

“The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) condemns the attacks against UN peacekeepers and the damage to UN vehicles by Turkish Cypriot personnel this morning.

The incident took place within the dead zone near Pylaas UN peacekeepers prevented unauthorized construction work in the area.

The threats against the security of UN peacekeepers and damage to UN property are unacceptable and constitute a serious crime under international lawwhich will be prosecuted in full.

UNFICYP calls on the Turkish Cypriot side to respect the mandated authority of the mission within the UN dead zoneto refrain from any actions that could further escalate tensions and to immediately withdraw all personnel and equipment from the UN dead zone.

The mission is closely monitoring the situationand remains committed to ensuring the maintenance of calm and stability in the region.”