New Cyprus Association urges solidarity after shipwreck off Kyrenia
The New Cyprus Association condemned public expressions of mockery and hatred following a shipwreck off Kyrenia and called for solidarity with those affected.
Kyrenia, Cyprus. The New Cyprus Association expressed condolences to families affected by a shipwreck off Kyrenia and called for human solidarity as search and rescue operations continued.
The association also criticised public reactions it said treated the tragedy as an opportunity for mockery, gloating and hatred.
Call for solidarity
In a statement issued on August 31, the New Cyprus Association said support should be extended to all those caught up in the shipwreck, including dozens of people found fighting for their lives at sea.
It said language, community and passport should not matter when a person is in danger at sea, adding that the sea surrounding Cyprus belongs to everyone.
Criticism of public reactions
The association said some members of Greek Cypriot society had responded to the shipwreck not as a human tragedy but with mockery, gloating and open displays of hatred.
It said remaining silent about such behaviour would amount to accepting it.
Appeal to citizens
The New Cyprus Association said people who had experienced the suffering of 1963 and 1974 should respond to the suffering of others with humanity.
It said such conduct was not an expression of patriotism and called on all citizens to respond to the tragedy with respect, remembering that people are human beings before any national or community definition.
The association said it stood in solidarity with all those affected and expressed hope that those still missing would be found safe.
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