U.N. calls unauthorized construction by Turkish Cypriots a violation of the status quo on Cyprus

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council says unauthorized construction by Turkish Cypriots inside the U.N. buffer zone dividing Cyrus is a violation of the status quo and runs contrary to council resolutions. And the council has condemned an assault by Turkish Cypriots on U.N. peacekeepers. The council statement was issued after emergency closed consultations Monday by its 15 members. It follows criticism of the U.N. peacekeepers for blocking construction earlier Monday by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Speaking after a Cabinet meeting in Turkey’s capital, Erdogan called the U.N. action “unacceptable” and accused the peacekeeping force of bias against Turkish Cypriots. He says Turkey will not allow any “unlawful” behavior toward ethnic Turks on Cyprus.