On 8 March, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office replied to a letter from the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, dated 23 February, about Turkey’s actions in the Republic of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In the reply, the Foreign Office said:

“The UK has long recognised the right of the Republic of Cyprus to exploit the natural resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone, and we want to see exploration go ahead. We have raised recent developments with Turkey.

“We believe Cyprus’ hydrocarbons should be developed for the benefit of all Cypriots and urge all parties to look for ways by which the development of hydrocarbons can support the search for a settlement.”

The letter went on to say, “we remain a strong supporter of a Cyprus settlement and continue to think that a political deal to reunite Cyprus is achievable. A reunited Cyprus would unlock significant benefits through increased opportunities for trade, investment and tourism.”

Labour Party condemns Turkey’s actions in Cyprus’ EEZ

The Labour Party has condemned Turkey’s actions in Cyprus’ EEZ and described them as “wholly unacceptable”. In a statement released on Friday 9 March to the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, the major opposition party says:

“The actions of Turkey in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are wholly unacceptable. Preventing ships with legal permits from the Republic of Cyprus from reaching a gas exploration area with a warship is an unnecessary and irresponsible act of aggression that cannot be justified through economic or territorial interests.”

The statement also notes that the benefit of any exploitation in the EEZ must be for all Cypriots and that “The Labour Party is calling for negotiations to re-commence, so the island can be united again and all Cypriots are able to share in the economic potential of the EEZ.”

Returning to the issue of the Turkish actions in the Republic of Cyprus’ EEZ, the Labour Party statement concludes: “With the EU-Turkey summit due to take place later this month, it is vital that Turkey withdraws any blockades from the Cyprus EEZ. This will ensure that the summit goes ahead to promote a positive relationship between Europe and Turkey in the interest of all citizens.”

The statement is signed by the Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament, Fabian Hamilton MP “on behalf of the Labour Party.”