During an interview with Turkish news outlets on Monday, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said attacks on Muslim houses of worship in Cyprus would “not go unanswered” following reports of an attempted arson attack at a mosque on the southern, internationally-recognized Greek Cypriot part.
“This incident is clearly not tolerable,” he said.
The pro-government Daily Sabah newspaper reported that at least one suspect was detained following an attempted firebombing of the Grand Mosque in Larnaca, Cyprus on Dec. 2nd. No one was hurt and security has been increased around mosques across Turkey as well.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has just made a proclamation that Turkish forces will respond with “an answer” if there is any attempt on mosques in Cyprus. He made the statement before departing for Qatar.
“It is a sad day for all Cypriots when our houses of worship are targeted in such an act. We will not stand for this, so be prepared to pay with your blood if you carry out sabotage at one of them.”
1974 was a trying year for Cyprus. In the Spring of that Year, Turkey invaded following an attempted coup by supporters of a union with Greece who were against the idea of one country being sovereign over two others (Cyprus).
Turkish President Erdogan said the arson attempt was being investigated.
