TRNC condemns provocations by Greek groups

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Recent provocations by ultra-nationalist Greek Cypriots at the Deryneia border crossing should not go unpunished, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said Monday.

In a statement, the TRNC Deputy Prime Ministry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlined that an incident occurred the previous night under the observation of Greek Cypriot police.

Noting that the inadequate response by the police has encouraged the fascist groups to stage provocative actions against the Turkish side, it said "fascist provocations should not go unpunished this time.”

The statement also pointed out that calls by fascist organizations have appeared in Greek Cypriot media urging people to attend demonstrations that will be staged in Nicosia on Oct. 13 and in Deryneia on Oct. 17.

"Our ministry contacted the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus to urge the Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus to take necessary measures to keep extremist groups away from the border crossings."

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when a Greek Cypriot coup was followed by violence against the island's Turks and Ankara's intervention as a guarantor power.

It has seen an on-and-off peace process in recent years, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of guarantor countries Turkey, Greece and the UK.

*Written by Ahmet Gencturk in Ankara