Italy has protested to Ankara over the latter’s actions in the Cypriot exclusive economic zone, the Cyprus News Agency said.
CNA said Italy was particularly displeased by Turkey’s decision to reserve a large section of sea in Cyprus’ EEZ for seismic studies- cutting through five blocks, including block 9 where Italian-South Korean consortium ENI-KOGAS is currently drilling for gas
The move has led Greek Cypriot Leader Nicos Anastasiades to suspend direct negotiations in the reunification process.
Anastasiades will raise the issue of the Turkish provocations during his meetings with foreign leaders on the sidelines of the 10th Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM) which is taking place in Milan.
CNA said Anastasiades will meet, among others, with the President of the European Council and the Italian Prime Minister, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, but also with leaders of Asian countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.
Anastasiades is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Küfi Seydali
Comment by KS :
What on earth does Italy has to do with Cyprus? Cyprus belongs to Greek and Turkish Cypriots! The dispute can only be solved by the two sides and not by greedy Italians who are after a piece of the cake! The Italians just like the EU has forgotten that the 50 years old Cyprus problem has not yet been solved. The way the Greek side is going on, it is also not likely that it will ever be solved.