No: 49, 23 February 2016

We are deeply saddened by and strongly condemn the arson attack perpetrated in the morning of Sunday, February 21st against Denia Mosque, which is located in the Island of Cyprus and classified as cultural and historical heritage in need of protection.

It is worrying that Denia Mosque was subjected for the second time to a villainous attack after it had been already attacked in January 2013 and restored in its wake by the efforts of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage. In a period towards the final phase of the comprehensive settlement process in Cyprus, such incidents should not be allowed to affect the existing positive atmosphere on the Island.

We agree with H.E. Mustafa Akıncı, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in his call to find and punish the perpetrators as soon as possible. In this scope, we expect that a responsible attitude be adopted to prevent the recurrence of such incidents damaging the environment of mutual trust between the two peoples, including the attacks against the Turkish Cypriots on 15 November 2015, and urge the pursuit of justice with the necessary seriousness and sensitivity.