Senator Robert Menendez strongly condemned the Turkish Cypriot attack on the UN peacekeeping forces in Pyla.

The chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate underlined that such an attack is criminal according to International Law, while calling on the Turkish Cypriot side to refrain from any escalating action that could disturb the overall stability on the island. He noted that any further unauthorized construction aimed at undermining the peacekeeping mission and the agreed no-fly zone must be stopped.

Bob Menendez’s Statement on the Attack on UN Peacekeepers in Pyla

“I strongly condemn the attacks on UN peacekeepers and their infrastructure in Pyla. Attacking UN personnel is unacceptable and criminal under International Law. UN peacekeepers play a critical role in promoting calm and stability.

The Turkish Cypriot forces must immediately take responsibility and stop any further actions that escalate the situation and endanger not only the lives of UN peacekeepers but also the overall stability of the island. They must further stop any unauthorized construction in the area aimed at undermining the peacekeeping mission and the agreed no-fly zone.

These competitive actions only serve to promote instability and violence. I also strongly urge the UN Secretary-General to appoint an envoy to help revive negotiations to find a long-term settlement.”