Minister of Defence Fotis Fotiou has said that Cyprus has denounced to the EU and the UN Turkey’s provocative actions in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

Speaking before the House of Representatives’ Committee on Defence, the Minister referred to Turkey’s action to send Turkish vessel “Barbaros” to conduct surveys on hydrocarbons in Cyprus’ territorial waters, in particular in block 3 of Cyprus’ EEZ.

The Minister stressed that the implementation of Nicosia’s plans to exploit Cyprus’ natural resources constitutes the best possible response to Turkey’s provocations in Cyprus’ EEZ.

“What’s important is to denounce, and we do that, these provocative actions, to the EU and the UN, while continuing our efforts to implement our plans to exploit our national resources.This is the best response to those who believe that we would relinquish our sovereign rights”, he stressed.

Meanwhile, the Minister said that during the past days the Ministry of Defence has destroyed 1,300 tones of old, unused and dangerous monitions.

“This,” he said, “is an issue of high priority for the Government because it affects the safety of personnel, soldiers and citizens”.