Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said on Friday that Turkey, UK and Israel have not conducted naval exercises off Cyprus’ southern coast.

 Speaking to the press, Stephanou said that according to the information obtained by the Government so far, “no exercise or manoevurer has taken place by Turkey, UK or Israel”.

He also clarified that no naval exercise on behalf of Israel was conducted yesterday.

 Turkey, UK and Israel have announced that they will conduct naval exercises off the coast of Cyprus, in international waters.

 Unlike the UK and Israel, Turkey had not requested Cyprus’ permission and announced that the exercises will take place on July 12th and 13th, between 8am and 4pm, in the plots 2, 8, 9 and 12 of Cyprus’ EEZ.

Turkey, which aspires to become an EU member and started accessing negotiations, does not recognize the Cyprus Republic, which joined the bloc in 2004 and currently holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU