Turkish FM says Greek Cyprus appears lack of peace culture

Davutoglu said, it appears peace culture did not take root in the Greek Cypriot Side.

Thursday, 23 December 2010

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the attack on Turkish basketball team staged by Greek Cypriot hooligans, after a EuroChallange game in Lefkosa showed necessary security precautions were not taken.

Speaking to reporters in Istanbul Thursday, Davutoglu said, it appears peace culture did not take root in the Greek Cypriot Side.

Answering a question on whether he was satisfied with the reaction of the Greek Cypriot Administration acknowledging that they were not quick enough to respond, Davutoglu said remarks condemning the attack was not enough. He said the uproar got out of control too fast, which showed security measures were not sufficient.

Davutoglu said Turkish government on the other hand was quick to respond and take instant action. He said the Turkish government instantly launched international initiatives to ensure the security of Turkish basketball team, and even contacted the UN.

"Peace and brotherhood should be paramount in Sports games...It appears the culture of peace has not yet taken root in the Greek Cypriot Administration. Emergence of such a situation where security is neglected, shows Greek Cypriot Administration have not reached international standards yet. We have appealed to the UN (about the attack). We will continue to follow up on this issue. This is unacceptable" said Davutoglu.

Source: World Bulletin.
Link: http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=67744.