The issue of natural gas can constitute an incentive to solve the Cyprus problem and Turkey must take this into consideration, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said on Tuesday.

Invited to comment on remarks attributed to President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias by the Turkish Cypriot side, that the natural gas would be transported abroad through pipes via Turkey, Stephanou said President Christofias never made such a statement.

He pointed out that the President had said some time ago that explorations for natural gas within Cyprus` exclusive economic zone were a sovereign right of the Republic of Cyprus.

“Of course this issue could constitute an incentive to solve the Cyprus problem and Turkey must think about this,“ he said, adding that “with the solution of the Cyprus problem many prospect will open for cooperation, to which the President of the Republic referred to.“

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.