The United States` reaction to Turkey’s threats as regards drilling in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) shows that the Republic of Cyprus operates on the basis of international law, said Friday, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou.

The US administration said on Wednesday that it is aware of Turkey`s position on the issue. However it strongly supports all countries` plans of securing energy supplies through better energy diversity, it added..

Stephanou who was replying to journalists’ questions after a Council of Ministers meeting said that “we have already stated our position on the matter”, adding that the “State Department’s reaction shows what we have been pointing out, that the Republic of Cyprus operates on the basis of international law and in this particular case on the basis of Maritime Law“.

The Republic of Cyprus, he noted, always acts within the remit of international law and in the framework of exercising its sovereign rights, which Turkey violates since 1974 by illegally occupying Cyprus` northern third.

Called upon to say whether Cyprus has an understanding with Israel and Greece, he repeated that when it comes to drilling for natural resources or developing them, Cyprus acts on the basis of international law, adding that this is the case as regards Cyprus’ cooperation with other countries.

“The Republic of Cyprus respects and implements international law for this and all other matters”, Stephanou stressed, adding that “we will continue to act in the same manner”.

US company ‘Noble Energy’ received on October 2008 a concession from the government of the Republic of Cyprus to explore for hydrocarbons in Block 12, located in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, which borders reserve-rich ‘Leviathan’ in Israel’s EEZ.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.