Unal Ustel, prime minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), called for immediate action against those responsible after Turkish and TRNC flags were burned during protests in the island’s south, Anadolu Agency reported.
In a written statement Saturday, Ustel said the acts insulted the Turkish nation. Anadolu Agency said demonstrations marking the TRNC’s 43rd anniversary took place in several cities in southern Cyprus.
The episode comes amid ongoing political tensions on Cyprus and recent efforts to build trust between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders. On Nov. 9, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ Personal Envoy for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín, as EconoTimes reported in its coverage of Cyprus confidence-building talks.
The United Nations said the leaders agreed to open two crossings at the same time. It did not announce an opening date.
