NICOSIA and Athens are playing catch-up to an all-out PR and diplomatic offensive launched by Ankara, asserting its right to foray into Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Greek government was yesterday reportedly considering issuing a demarche to Turkey in protest over comments made by the Vice-President of the Turkish government Bülent Ar?nç.

Arinc claimed that Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou told his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a phone conversation a few days ago, that Turkey has the right to conduct hydrocarbon exploration within Cyprus’ EEZ

Cyprus Mail