The strong condemnation of the leaders of the Greek affairs group in the House of Representatives (Hellenic Caucus) was caused by the attack received by the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus inside the dead zone by Turkish Cypriots. According to the statement issued by UNFICYP, the UN team was attacked when it tried to prevent unauthorized construction work in Pyla area.

The specific incident caused the reaction of some American legislators, who, through their intervention, call on the Turkish side to refrain from any action of further escalation. The announcement is signed by the deputies Gus Bilirakis, Chris Pope, Nicole Malliotaki and Dina Titus.

The MPs’ announcement about the incident in Pyla

“We strongly condemn this morning’s attacks on UN peacekeepers and the damage to UN vehicles inside the UN-controlled buffer zone in Cyprus by Turkish forces. Threats to the security of UN peacekeepers and damage to UN equipment and infrastructure are completely unacceptable and undermine the UN’s ability to fulfill its peacekeeping mandate, which could threaten the prospects for reunification and the sovereignty of Cyprus Democracy.

The Turkish authorities must respect the mandate of the mission inside the UN dead zone, refrain from any actions that could further escalate tension, and immediately withdraw all personnel and equipment from the UN dead zone.

Forty-nine years after Turkey’s illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus, the unjustified and illegal Turkish occupation regime continues to escalate tensions and destabilize the entire Eastern Mediterranean region. We will continue our efforts to bring justice to Cyprus and demand the immediate removal of Turkish troops, the return of property to its rightful owners and the reunification of Cyprus.”