Erdogan from Turkey says the attack on the Cyprus mosque will not be ‘unanswered’ | Recep Tayyip Erdogan News

The Turkish leader has asked the Cypriot authorities to protect houses of worship or to ‘pay for such things’.

Attacks on Muslim mosques in Cyprus “will not go unnoticed,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in response to the burning of the mosque.

“Unfortunately there was [attempt] against our mosques in southern Cyprus. Obviously, this operation in southern Cyprus will not be answered, “Erdogan told reporters Monday before leaving Qatar for a two-day visit.

The Turkish newspaper Daily Sabah reported that one suspect was arrested after trying to heat up the Grand Mosque in Larnaca on December 2. No one was injured in the incident.

“This is what we are telling you in southern Cyprus: do not destroy our places of worship in this way. The cost you will pay for such risks will be huge, “Erdogan said.

Cyprus Divide in 1974 when Turkey overthrew the government after a series of coups with supporters of the treaty with Greece. Turkey is the only country that has recognized the Turkish state of Cyprus north of the island and does not recognize Cyprus as a state.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday said the incident “not only targets Muslims, but also threatens cultural identities, and reveals how far-flung some are outside the understanding of peaceful coexistence”.

Ersin Tatar, the leader of the impoverished Turkey Cypriot republic, also condemned the plot and called on Cypriot officials to block any future elections.

A Cypriot lawmaker said authorities arrested a 27-year-old Syrian man for plotting to overthrow the mosque’s wooden door. He is accused of attempting to burn.

The official, who did not want to be named because he was not allowed to discuss the matter openly, said the suspect’s beliefs stemmed from his request to stay at the mosque, which was denied by the imam.

A witness told police that the suspect used Greek newspapers as a means of lighting the fire.