Cyprus operates in the framework of international law concerning natural gas exploration, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said on Thursday, adding that Turkey opts for tension.

Commenting on the continued Turkish threats concerning Cyprus` intention to promote natural gas exploration in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Stephanou echoed the Cypriot Defense Minister`s earlier remarks at CNA that Cyprus operates within the international law.

“We operate in the framework of the international law and within that framework, especially of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, we act towards the implementation of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus,“ he said.