The Republic of Cyprus has the self-evident sovereign right to exploit its natural resources, Greek Foreign Ministry Spokesman Gregoris Delavekouras has said.
Delavekouras was responding to a question on Turkey’s provocations against Cyprus in view of planned drilling for hydrocarbons in Cyprus’ Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ).
“The Republic of Cyprus, in cooperation with its neighbors, has reached an agreement delimitating the Exclusive Economic Zone between them. In this context, it goes ahead with its self-evident right, entrenched in international law, to explore and exploit its natural wealth,” he stressed.
The Greek top official added that “nobody can doubt that”, referring at the same time to the clear statements made by the EU, the U.S. and Russia, which view Cyprus’ action as “fully consistent with international law and self-evident right. “
He went on to say that “since Turkey has no arguments to put forward, it is trying to raise the tone through rhetorical threats. This, taking into account the prevailing conditions at this time in our region, namely, the intense instability that exists for a number of reasons is causing even more tension”.
The Greek FM spokesman said that Turkey must accept the reality according to which the international law gives this clear right to the Republic of Cyprus. “We hope that Turkey will behave calmly and will not contribute to even more tension,“ he added.
Delavekouras said that “since Turkey has no arguments, it chooses to escalate tension, with successive statements. Greece has no reason to follow Ankara in this effort of escalation and aggravation, simply because the Greek view is based on the substance of the arguments and the fact that international law fully covers its positions.”
Referring to Turkey-Israel relations, he reiterated that Greece`s position is that there must be stability in our region “since we are in a very sensitive period”.
Furthermore, he noted that Greece is in constant contact with the Cyprus Republic on all levels, monitoring Turley’s worrisome attitude.
Recently, senior Turkish government officials have warned that Ankara will not hesitate to deploy warships in the Mediterranean, if the Republic of Cyprus proceeds with the exploitation of its natural resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone.
Houston-based company ‘Noble Energy’ is expected to begin drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ late September. The company has a concession to look for hydrocarbons in an offshore field in Cyprus` EEZ, south of Cyprus, known as Block 12.
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 assumes the rotating six-monthly EU Presidency in the second half of 2012.
The leaders of the two communities, namely President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, are currently engaged in UN-led talks, with an aim to reunify the island under a federal roof.
