German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, reiterated her opposition to the illegal activities of Turkey within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus during a private meeting she had with President Nicos Anastasiades in Brussels, according to Government Spokesman, Prodromos Prodromou.

According to the Spokesman, the President of the Republic informed the Chancellor of Germany about the continuing illegal activities of Turkey within the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus, as he did earlier with the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk. He also discussed with both further steps and coordination about the discussion on this issue during the next European Council`s  meeting in June. Both Merkel and Tusk expressed their solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus.

Anastasiades will also have the opportunity to inform other EU leaders on the sidelines of the EU28 informal dinner that will focus on the issue of nominations for the successors of the major posts of EU institutions for the next five years. The President of the Republic has already informed his EPP counterparts on the same subject at the relevant preparatory session of the European People`s Party in Brussels.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

Ankara has issued a navigational telex, announcing its intention to start drilling off Cyprus until September 3. The Turkish drill ship “Fatih” is located almost 40 nautical miles west of the Akamas peninsula and 83 nautical miles from the Turkish coast. The area falls within the EEZ and continental shelf of the Republic of Cyprus.