Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides has stressed that the Turkish provocations off the coast of Pafos demonstrate who is responsible for the current state of affairs at the Cyprus talks.

The Spokesman was invited to comment on Turkish actions like the military exercise off the coastal town of Pafos and how this affects the process of the Cyprus issue. It is noted that Turkey has issued NOTAMs for aeronautical exercises near Pafos.

This is not a development to the right direction, the Spokesman commented, adding that `these are developments which are known to the international community and reinforce the position about who is responsible for the current state of affairs`.

We will respond to this Turkish action in a wise and rational manner, he said, noting that Nicosia focuses on the substance and not on impressions.

The Republic of Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN led talks between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities resumed in May 2015 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.

The talks were interrupted in mid February 2017 by the Turkish Cypriot side and have not resumed since then. President Anastasiades has reiterated in numerous occasions his willingness to continue the talks but there was no positive response yet on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side.