Officials in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Northern Cyprus) have strongly condemned what they described as disrespectful acts targeting the flags of Northern Cyprus and Türkiye during Easter celebrations in Southern Cyprus.

Speaker of the Republic Assembly Ziya Öztürkler and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel stated that the incident in Southern Cyprus (Cyprus) constitutes an unacceptable provocation that undermines peace and coexistence on the island.

Öztürkler said such actions damage efforts for stability and mutual trust, stressing that they reflect a “fanatical mindset” and harm prospects for intercommunal harmony.

Prime Minister Üstel also reacted strongly, describing the incident as an attempt to revive a dangerous mentality that threatens peace, stability, and coexistence in Cyprus.

He further criticized what he described as the endorsement of such attitudes by certain political and religious circles, calling it an irresponsible stance that is unacceptable.

The statements come amid long-standing tensions between the two communities on the island, where symbolic acts and political messaging frequently escalate diplomatic sensitivities.

Officials in Northern Cyprus reiterated that such provocations would not contribute to dialogue or stability and called for restraint and responsibility from all parties involved. (ILKHA)