The Left in the European Parliament condemns the attack on UN peacekeepers by Turkish occupying forces in the buffer zone in Pyla, Cyprus.

Violence and threats against UN personnel constitute a serious crime and responsibility lies with the occupying force and the occupation regime.

The attempt by the occupation authorities to violate the status quo by occupying part of the buffer zone in Pyla is reprehensible and unacceptable.

Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership must halt construction works immediately and respect the mission of United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus within its mandate.

These machinations by the Turkish side are in addition to a series of provocative actions aimed at undermining safety on the island and damaging prospects of resuming settlement negotiations within the agreed framework.

We support the UN’s call for immediate de-escalation in the interests of safety for all Cypriots.