The sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, as circumscribed by international law and the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea in particular, are non-negotiable, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias said today.
He added that the Republic of Cyprus is not willing to accept any kind of intervention or arbitration on the matter concerning its rights to conduct research and drilling activities within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), while at the same time he denounced Turkey for reacting with the pursuit of an “expansionist policy”.
Speaking after the conclusion of the military parade in Nicosia, commemorating the 51st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, President Christofias congratulated the people of all Cyprus’ communities, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.
He paid moreover his compliments to the leadership and the staff of the National Guard, the Republic’s armed forces, for their excellent performance during the parade, adding that the National Guard continues to carry out its mission to defend the Republic’s sovereignty and protect it from Turkey’s designs.
Ankara continues unfortunately to carry out an expansionist policy against the Republic of Cyprus, following the conduct of research activity by Nicosia in Cyprus’ EEZ, the President went on to say.
He noted at this point that the Republic’s sovereign rights, that derive from international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, are “non-negotiable”, underlining at the same time that “we are not going to accept any kind of intervention and arbitration” on this matter. “This needs to be very clear” the President said.
He assured moreover the Cypriot people that research activity for locating and exploiting hydrocarbon reserves will carry on, adding that such discovery would be a “blessing” for the entire people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike.
The President noted that natural reserves belong to all citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and added that responsible for dealing with the issue is the government of the Republic of Cyprus, which is the only legal authority on the island.
Moreover, the President wished for the matter to become a catalyst for concluding an agreement concerning Cyprus talks, adding that Turkey needs to stop pursuing policies that are counterproductive towards this aim.
“Turkey’s expansionist policy is a serious obstacle in solving the Cyprus problem, because it encourages our interlocutor, the Turkish Cypriot side, in maintaining an intransigent and disingenuous stance”, the President said.
He went on by saying that Cyprus talks are being conducted amongst the leaders of the two communities of Cyprus, as provided by UN resolutions, adding that the basis of the negotiation talks is well-established. “We are consistent both with the basis of the talks as well as towards our principles”, President Christofias said, adding that the Greek Cypriot side is showing at the same time the necessary degree of flexibility.
Addressing the Turkish Cypriot community, the President assured them that he will continue negotiating by showing good will, and added that if the other side also displays the same degree of understanding, a Cyprus solution will be reached soon.
The President called for unity in the domestic political scene, noting that otherwise, difficult days will follow in the absence of it.
President Christofias thanked the Greek Defense Minister Panos Beglitis for being present during the military parade, adding that Greece is always standing at the side of the Republic of Cyprus, defending its sovereignty. Finally, he extended his gratitude towards the Prime Minister, the political leadership and the people of Greece for their constant support towards Cyprus.
Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded the island occupying 37% of its territory. UN led talks have been ongoing since 2008 between the leaders of the two communities with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.
Turkey 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 puppet regime in occupied Cyprus to delineate what it calls continental shelf.
Houston-based ‘Noble Energy’, whose drilling rig is already in place, off the island’s southern coast, has begun drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ. The company has a concession to explore for hydrocarbons in an offshore field, south of Cyprus, known as Block 12.
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.
