Greek Cypriots who have attacked Turkish players can not be EU term president, says Sports Minister Kilic

ANKARA (A.A) - December 9, 2011 - Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports, Suat Kilic, said Friday that the Greek Cypriots who have attacked Turkish players could not be an EU term president. Minister Kilic's remarks came after Galatasaray Women's Volleyball team came under attack in the Greek Cypriot administration. In a written statement released Friday, Kilic said that he condemned Greek Cypriot violence against Turkish players at a time the Greek Cypriot administration was getting ready for EU term presidency in an unfair and illegal manner. I invite the international sports world to be more sensitive by not ignoring the violence perpetrated by Greek Cypriots against guest players, Kilic said. The Greek Cypriots should be banned from all international sports activities as they do not act in harmony with the Olympics spirit, sports ethics and Fair Play, Kilic noted. An administration that tolerates violence on guest players can not be regarded as one that has adopted an EU vision and values, Kilic emphasized. Warning the Greek Cypriot administration with harsh words, Minister Kilic asked the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union Ministry to condemn the Greek Cypriots. Galatasaray Women's Volleyball team came under attack of Greek Cypriot fans after beating Apollon Limassol 3-0 in an away game on Thursday. Greek Cypriot fans threw seats, lighters, and blast bombs at the Turkish players. Turkish players were negatively affected by the pepper spray used by Greek Cypriot police officers. Galatasaray Women's Volleyball team will return to Turkey via Athens on Friday. Thursday's incident in the Greek Cypriot administration was not the first of its type. In 2010, Turkey's Pinar Karsiyaka Men's Basketball team came under attack of Greek Cypriot fans after a game with APOEL as part of the FIBA Men's Euro Challenge Cup. Greek Cypriot fans attacked Pinar Karsiyaka players with gas bombs, stones and sticks.