Statements by Lavrov and Davutoglu on the Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (18.04.13) reports that the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmet Davutoglu has argued that Cyprus’s natural resources belong to all Cypriots and added that finding or developing these natural resources constitutes a framework that offers an opportunity for a “new solution”. In statements yesterday during a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, Davutoglu claimed that peace is encouraged in such situations when the sides concerned come together and show will to effectively use these resources.

Responding to questions, the Russian Foreign Minister said that, as in the past, his country is committed to the principles determined by the UN Security Council on the Cyprus problem within the framework of the UN Secretary-General’s good offices mission. Noting that there is a serious financial crisis now in Cyprus, the Russian Minister said that his country is ready to contribute in the preparations for the quick resumption of the negotiations within the framework of the UN.

He added: “On the issue of the hydrocarbon resources we say that the rules of the international law should be respected not only in the Mediterranean, but in the entire globe and that this should be based on principles within the framework of the Convention [on the Law] of the Sea of 1982. On the Cyprus issue, we support every kind of explorations for natural resources, provided that this is for the benefit of all Cypriots. The opposite could not be conceived”. 

CNA