Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has invited once again Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to cooperate for a settlement to the Cyprus problem on the basis of UN resolutions, so that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can together enjoy, in the framework of a united federal Republic of Cyprus, the benefits of their cooperation, among which is the exploitation of possible hydrocarbons in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

Commenting on Turkish reactions on the issue of gas and oil exploration in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone, Stephanou said that the government of the Republic of Cyprus acts in full compliance with the UN Law of the Sea Convention, which Turkey does not recognize, has not signed, does not respect and does not implement, and closely follows and evaluates the Turkish reactions, taking political and diplomatic measures to defend its rights.

Stephanou noted that with its so-called proposal Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu on the issue, pursues to undermine a sovereign right of a UN and EU member state to a bicommunal issue, noting that the proposal is therefore rejected. Eroglou has said that an ad-hoc committee should be established, comprising Greek and Turkish Cypriots, who will meet to give approvals and licenses for drills.

Asked if the drilling explorations may be halted, Stephanou said that having taken all facts into consideration the government has decided to move on with the drilling in the Republic’s Exclusive Economic Zone and now this process is under way.

He noted that the political decision for the second licensing round has been taken and proposals for the exploitation of reserves, among which Israel’s proposal are being looked into.

The issue of natural resources exploration and exploitation constitutes a sovereign right of states, Stephanou said, noting that the government of the Republic of Cyprus acts, in full compliance with the Law of the Sea Convention, which Turkey does not recognize, has not signed, does not respect and does not implement, adding that with its behaviour and actions Ankara creates tension in the region and violates international law rules.

He added that the government will continue to defend the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, at both the political and diplomatic level.

“Once again we invited Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to cooperate for the settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions so that together Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will be able to fully enjoy the fruits of their cooperation in the framework of a united federal Republic of Cyprus,” he added.

Stephanou said that Turkey will benefit from the settlement of the Cyprus problem, as it will be able to conclude joint ventures with the Republic of Cyprus in various fields, including the energy sector.

He noted that the government is following closely and with calm Turkish actions and makes representations when needed. Furthermore he said that permanent and non permanent members of the UN Security Council as well as the EU have recognized the Republic of Cyprus’ right to conduct conduct surveys within its Exclusive Economic Zone, denouncing Turkey’s behaviour.

Turkey, whose troops occupy Cyprus’ northern part since they invaded in 1974, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus. Following a decision by Nicosia to begin natural gas and oil exploration in its exclusive economic zone, Ankara has deployed warships in the Eastern Mediterranean and has signed an illegal agreement with the Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus to delineate what it calls continental shelf.

Drilling has already begun and is being carried out by Houston-based “Noble Energy”, off Cyprus’ south-eastern coast.

The government of Cyprus has protested to the UN and the EU Turkey’s moves, saying it has a sovereign right to exploit its natural resources, pointing out that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will benefit from any benefits that may come from oil drilling.

Cyprus has signed an agreement to delineate the Exclusive Economic Zone with Egypt and Israel with a view to exploit any possible natural gas and oil reserves in its EEZ. A similar agreement has been signed with Lebanon but the Lebanese Parliament has not yet ratified it.