Turkey’s relations with the EU should be based on the clear principles posed by the European Council, Government Spokesman Prodromos Prodromou told CNA on Saturday, when asked what Nicosia expects from the EU – Turkey Varna meeting on Monday.

Referring to the conclusions of the European Council, Prodromou reminded that President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades expressed his satisfaction because “we secured the very important aim which was the clear position of our partners and the expression of solidarity in facing the illegal Turkish actions and aggression”.

“Turkey’s aim to create an artificial crisis and a fait accompli in the sea against the Republic of Cyprus will not be tolerated. We have the clear expression of support by our partners”, the Spokesman said, adding that statements by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are based on these principles.

Explaining the principles which the EU-Turkey relations should be based, in view of the Varna meeting on Turkey to be held on Monday, Prodromou said that Turkey should respect international law and the law of the EU as well as principles of good neighbourhood with all member states. It should also cease all illegal actions, threats and aggression and respect the sovereign rights of Cyprus and not try to prevent Cyprus from exploiting its energy resources, he noted.

In the conclusions they adopted during their spring Summit in Brussels, the EU28 called on Turkey to cease all illegal activity in the Republic of Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone and normalize its relations with Nicosia.

Last month, a drill ship contracted by Italian energy company Eni to explore offshore Cyprus left the area, after Turkish warships blocked its path to its target in Block 3 of Cyprus’ EEZ.

Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004. Cyprus has been divided since the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.