High-ranking figures from Turkey condemned the throwing of rocks and explosives across the buffer zone at Turkish Cypriots on the anniversary of the creation of Eoka, describing the incident as an act of terror.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said the rock throwing was “carried out … by the remnants of the terrorist organisation, Eoka”.

“The responsibility for this heinous incident lies with the Greek Cypriot administration in southern Cyprus, which, for decades, has glorified and lionised murderers and terrorists, [and] has embedded in the minds of younger generations that Turkish Cypriots are enemies and targets,” he said.

He added that the Greek Cypriot side is “gradually distancing the Greek Cypriot community from the notion of living peacefully side by side with their Turkish Cypriot neighbours”.

“As always, we will continue to stand by the TRNC in the face of these vile attacks,” he said.

Meanwhile, Turkish presidential communications director Burhanettin Duran said that “this provocative action, which targeted civilians, not only disregards peace in the region, but also international law and human values”.

“It is essential for the island’s peace that the perpetrators are identified as soon as possible and brought to justice, and that concrete steps are taken to prevent similar incidents from recurring,” he said.

He added that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “support … for ensuring the security, peace, and rights of the TRNC” is “unwavering”.

Ruling political party AK Party spokesman Omer Celik said that “these supporters of terrorism must be held accountable before the law”.

“We stand with the Turkish Cypriots in every circumstance and condition,” he said.