Konstantinos Koutras, spokesman for the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Greek Cypriot Leader Nicos Anastasiades and Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras have discussed the coordination of actions as a reaction to the Turkish provocations in Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
According to a written statement by Greek Cypriot Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides, in the light of the developments in the region and the announcements of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs with regard to the activities taking place within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the “Republic of Cyprus”, Anastasiadis had on Monday morning a telephone conversation with the Greek Prime Minister.
Anastasiades and Samaras discussed further steps and measures, in coordination between the two governments, Christodoulides said, (CNA)
Earlier reports said Athens had issued a strict warning to Ankara, saying: “Either respect International Law concerning Cyprus’s rights over gas and petroleum exploration within its territorial waters and continental shelf, or take the consequences for your EU membership”.
Konstantinos Koutras, spokesman for the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Turkey ought to respect the sovereign rights that the “Republic of Cyprus” has on its own continental shelf, as a country-member of the UN and the European Union.
“Cyprus cannot tolerate any further violations of International Law”, Mr. Koutras warned, adding that “Turkey’s behavior will decide it’s European future and also the negotiation process on the Cyprus matter.”
Yesterday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry called upon the international community “to take action to prevent the provocative and one-sided steps taken by the Greek Cypriot side”.
Nikos Christodoulides, the Greek Cypriot spokesman, said that impending the work of the company which is conducting exploration drills within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the “Republic”, does in no way help the normal continuation of the ongoing negotiations for a peaceful solution to the 50 year old division of the island.
CNA
Küfi Seydali