EU High Representative Federica Mogherini called upon Turkey to refrain from illegal actions in the EEZ of Cyprus, show restraint and respect the sovereign rights of the Republic, warning with EU response “in full solidarity with Cyprus,” in a written statement issued earlier today on Turkey`s intended drilling activities within the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus.
“We express grave concern over Turkey`s announced intention to carry out drilling activities within the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus”, states the High Representative of the EU.
F. Mogherini recalls that ” the European Council strongly condemned Turkey`s continued illegal actions in the Eastern Mediterranean”.
“In this context, we urgently call on Turkey to show restraint, respect the sovereign rights of Cyprus in its exclusive economic zone and refrain from any such illegal action to which the European Union will respond appropriately and in full solidarity with Cyprus”, states the High Representative.
Turkey is conducting seismic surveys in the Mediterranean Sea, in an area where Cyprus is drilling for hydrocarbons.
Turkey’s foreign ministry rejected EU foreign policy chief’s statement on Turkey’s intended hydrocarbon drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In a written statement released Saturday, the foreign ministry rejected High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini’s remarks urging Turkey to reconsider plans to start exploratory drilling for oil and gas off Cyprus, noting that Turkey will carry out the drilling in line with its legal rights stemming from international law.
The ministry said that as the country with the longest coastline in the region, Turkey will continue to protect its interests and rights in its continental shelf.
Furthermore, the foreign ministry noted that the Greek Cypriot administration has been irresponsibly risking the security and stability in Eastern Mediterranean by disregarding the rights of Turkish Cypriots and rejecting cooperation despite Turkey’s warnings.
The ministry also said the EU, which has failed to take concrete steps to resolve the issue, has no right to say anything to Turkey.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar also said Turkey is determined to protect the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots in Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea.
Ministry of foreign Affairs of Greece has posted the announcement on the illegal drilling in Cyprus EEZ.
“We condemn Turkey’s decision to carry out illegal drilling in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus.
We call on Turkey to immediately cease its illegal activities, to respect the inalienable rights of the sovereign Republic of Cyprus exercised in the interests of all Cypriot people, to desist from further actions that undermine stability in the region, and the re-opening of talks for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.
We welcome the Republic of Cyprus’s calm and composed stance, which reaffirms its role as a pillar of stability and a reliable partner in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Greece recalls the content of the Conclusions of the March 2018 meeting of the European Council and the subsequent relevant positions of the EU, and remains in constant communication and coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, as well as its EU partners and allies with regard to the next appropriate actions.
