Nicosia:Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Unal Ustel has strongly condemned the burning of Turkish and TRNC flags by Greek Cypriot youths during protests in Southern Cyprus. He described these acts as an attack on the honor of the Turkish nation.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Ustel released a written statement on Saturday denouncing the chants of hatred, hostility, and anger directed at the Turkish Cypriot people and Turkey during protests marking the anniversary of the TRNC's founding. He asserted that these actions reflected a mentality fostered by the Greek Cypriot Administration for years.

The protests reportedly included participation from teachers and members of parliament, with Ustel accusing the Greek Cypriot Administration of encouraging young people to chant hateful slogans and using schools to spread hostility. He emphasized that the administration bore responsibility for these deliberate policies of enmity.

Ustel reiterated his condemnation of the flag burnings, calling them an open attack on the national symbols and values of the Turkish nation. He urged the Greek Cypriot Administration to take immediate action against those responsible for the incidents and criticized their contradictory stance of promoting peace while inciting anti-Turkish sentiment.

The demonstrations, organized by groups including the far-right National Popular Front (ELAM), were held in several cities in Southern Cyprus to mark the TRNC's 43rd anniversary. Protesters displayed Greek and Byzantine flags, burned Turkish and TRNC flags, and chanted "Death to Turks, Cyprus is Greek." Attempts to march toward the TRNC border were halted by Greek Cypriot police.

In a notable development, the Greek Cypriot Administration's Education Ministry issued a circular allowing students to attend the demonstrations without being marked absent from school.