The government is taking decisions, aiming to safeguard the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides told CNA.

He was asked to comment on a report in Sunday’s “Phileleftheros” newspaper, saying that Nicosia will register with the UN the coordinates to delineate its Exclusive Economic Zone in the area north of the island.

According to Christodoulides, “the government is taking decisions regarding all issues in an absolutely serious manner, with specific planning and without fanfare, in order to safeguard the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus”.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus. Nicosia has signed an agreement to delineate the Exclusive Economic Zone with Egypt and Israel and embarked on exploration and exploitation activities for any possible natural gas and oil reserves. A similar agreement to delineate the EEZ was signed with Lebanon, but not been ratified yet.