Turkish Cypriots attacked by Greek nationalists

NICOSIA - Anadolu Agency

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Turkish Cypriots were attacked late Nov. 16 by right-wing Greek nationalists of the National Popular Front (ELAM), local security forces said.

A group of ELAM members, including students, gathered around Ledra Palace, a crossing point between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities, and protested against the 32nd anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), celebrated on Nov.15.

From the Greek Cypriot side, they threw stones and firecrackers damaging several cars on the Northern Cyprus side. A driver suffered a head injury, said Cenk Gürçağ, executive assistant to the Turkish Cypriot president.

Another driver, Merkan Numansoy, told an Anadolu Agency reporter at the scene that he suffered from a chest injury. Numansoy went to the Greek police but was told that “it might be dangerous to go to the Greek Cypriot side between Nov. 15-20.”

“The Greek Cypriot administration should immediately bring the criminals to trial,” said Mustafa Akıncı, president of Northern Cyprus.

Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades, meanwhile, wrote on Twitter that the acts of such “unreasonable people” against Turkish Cypriots were unacceptable. Anastasiades voiced his “deep sadness” over the attacks.

“The state does not tolerate the acts of those individuals or groups who want the island to be divided on grounds of the so-called patriotism,” he said.