Turkish Cyprus condemns mosque attack on Greek side

By Muhammet Ikbal Arslan

LEFKOSA (AA) - The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Monday condemned the attempt to burn down a mosque in the Greek Cyprus.

The attack on Koprulu Haci Ibrahim Aga Mosque in Limasol province with Molotov cocktails is unacceptable, said TRNC President Ersin Tatar in a statement.

At least three petrol bombs were hurled at the mosque, he said.

"We are sad to see that even with the pandemic, there are some in the Greek Cyprus who await opportunities to attack foreigners, specifically Muslims, and their prayer sites," Tatar said.

He called on to the Greek Cypriot authorities to catch the perpetrators.

"Greek Cypriot administration and public should know that racist and Islamophobic approaches will bring no good. Those who turn the other way in the face of this will be harmed the most," the president concluded.

TRNC's religious authority also said they deeply regretted this attack, condemning all kinds of xenophobic and Islamophobic attacks.