Russia condemns any violent action against UN representatives, Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has said invited by CNA to comment on the incident in the buffer zone near Pyla village with the attacks against UN peacekeepers as well as the Turkish plans in the area.
"We have always opposed any violent actions against UN representatives, either military, police or political personnel," Zakharova said, adding that "the incident within the buffer zone in Cyprus is no exception."
She furthermore said that, "we have often warned about the dangers of ignoring such incidents" and noted that those responsible for the beating of a Russian member of the UN mission in Kosovo in 2019, have yet to be brought to justice.
"Impunity and double standards only encourage even more unacceptable acts against the peacekeeping forces", she added.
Also, Zakharova said that the Security Council is responsible for the UN missions and is set to discuss the incident in the buffer zone in Cyprus later on Monday. She pointed out that it was necessary to have a clear picture as to what really happened and the UNSC members to agree on the phrasing therefore they are going to hold discussions on Monday.
"We are certain that the position (of the Security Council), which will reflect our view as well, will be adequately and clearly stated," she added
Asked why Russia is the only member of the UN Security Council, which has not yet condemned the attack against UN representatives in Pyla, Cyprus, Zakharova said that in such serious matters as the delicate issue of a Cyprus settlement, Moscow sees no point in engaging in a race to issue a response.
Source: Cyprus News Agency