The Minister of Defence Demetris Eliades has condemned recent statements by Turkish Premier Tayip Erdogan against Cyprus’ right to explore hydrocarbon reserves located in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“Turkey with its overt threats against Cyprus is exposed in the eyes of the international community”, Eliades told CNA, noting also that “Cyprus’ stance is based on international law and on its sovereign right to explore and exploit its natural gas resources, located in its EEZ”.

Referring to Erdogan’s statements, the Defence Minister noted that Turkey has lately intensified its rhetoric to a point of leveling direct threats at various directions, including Cyprus.

Eliades said the government is monitoring, carefully and calmly, all these developments, always in close cooperation and coordination with Greece and takes all appropriate action.

The Defence Minister also said that if Turkey wishes to join the European Union, it has to comply with European and international law and order.

Houston-based Noble Energy is expected to begin drilling in late September. The company has a concession to look for hydrocarbons in an offshore field in Cyprus` EEZ, south-east of Cyprus, known as Block 12.

Recently senior Turkish government officials have warned that Ankara will not hesitate to deploy warships in the Mediterranean, if the Republic of Cyprus enters Turkish territorial waters during the oil exploration efforts in the Mediterranean.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and has said it will not talk to Nicosia, when it will assume the rotating six monthly EU presidency in the second half of 2012.