Anastasiades says he understands thugs’ bitterness

GREEK Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades “understands” why a group of thugs staged a violent protest on the southern side of the Derinya checkpoint on Sunday following the TRNC’s decision to reopen part of the nearby town of Maraş (Varosha).

“I understand the feelings of indignation and bitterness that pervade Cypriot Hellenism as a result of the decision of Turkey and its henchmen, in violation of [UN] Security Council resolutions, to alter the regime or threaten the incorporation of Varosha under Turkish Cypriot rule,” he said in a statement on Monday, according to Greek Cypriot media reports.

“Actions such as those of last night, will not only not help to end the occupation [sic] and prevent Ankara’s plans, but will, on the contrary, hasten and justify the hitherto unfounded allegations made by Turkey.”

Mr Anastasiades also called for “calm and restraint during these critical hours”.

“I consider the incidents that took place last night at the Derinya checkpoint extremely unacceptable and condemnable,” he added.

The Greek Cypriot justice minister Emily Yiolitis and the chief of police reportedly gave “assurances” on Monday that the police presence will be boosted at Derinya to prevent a repetition of Sunday night’s events.

Derinya mayor Andros Karayiannis told the Cyprus News Agency that “what we lived through . . . at the checkpoint was tragic”.

“Derinya Municipality has warned that it will no longer tolerate such kinds of vandalism, the destruction of any type of property, be it private, municipal, or public, during protests and demonstrations,” he said.

“Our people are scared, terrified, as such actions do not bring us joy – on the contrary, the Derinya Municipality condemns them.”