France has a clear position on the right of the Republic of Cyprus to explore and exploit its natural resources, which it recognises, a French Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said.

Replying to questions about drilling by ENI-KOGAS in Cyprus` exclusive economic zone and Turkey`s threats to intervene illegally in the EEZ, the spokesperson said once the Cyprus issue is resolved, in line with UN parametres already agreed, there will be a fair sharing of the benefits of the island`s natural resources.

The spokesperson referred to the dynamic created by the joint declaration agreed by the leaders of the island`s two communities in February this year, which led to the resumption of the stalled talks, noting that it is necessary for the parties to abstain from any move which could jeopardise the negotiating process.

“It is important to recreate a climate of confidence which would allow the speedy resumption of the negotiations. France reiterates its support in this respect to the special advisor of the UN Secretary General on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide,” the spokesperson concluded.

Turkey has issued recently a NAVTEX (Navigational Telex), a notice to mariners advising that it was reserving areas south of Cyprus for seismic surveys from October 20 to December 30. The President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, following Turkey`s provocations, has announced his decision to suspend his participation in the UN backed negotiations which aim to reunify the island under a federal roof.