ANKARA – Echoing other criticism, Turkey has joined the condemnation of an arson attack on an historic mosque in the area of Cyprus it doesn’t occupy.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the arson attack on Deneia Mosque should not be allowed to disrupt negotiations on reunifying the island.

“The current positive atmosphere should not be allowed to be affected by these type of attacks, [which come] at a time when the final stage of an extended solution in Cyprus is being reached,” the ministry said, according to the Anadolu News Agency.

Earlier, Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci and his Greek Cypriot counterpart Nicos Anastasiades issued separate statements condemning the attack.

“It is obvious that the ones who conducted this attack do not want Cyprus to reach a peaceful and serene future,” Akinci said.

The In-Cyprus news website reported that authorities believe the attackers lifted roof tiles and poured flammable liquid inside before setting the fire. The mosque has been the subject of previous attacks.