Cyprus says international community must voice its concerns over Turkey’s provocative actions 

Turkey’s illegal actions in the maritime zones of Cyprus, in violation of international law, constitute a threat to the Eastern Mediterranean region, and it is, therefore, vitally important for the international community to voice its concerns against such provocative actions, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou has pointed out.
 
In a speech on behalf of President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades on the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia, Photiou reiterated Cyprus’ unwavering respect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia in line with UN Resolutions and the UN Charter, and assured that Cyprus will continue to be a strong advocate of Serbia’s European perspective.
 
He also said “the Government of Cyprus highly values Serbia’s steadfast support for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem based on the relevant UNSC Resolutions, international and EU Law, as well as its past contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Force on the island,” and expressed “our sincere hope to reach a comprehensive settlement that will finally reunify our island, ensuring conditions of safety for the future Cypriot generations, without the presence of foreign troops or guarantees.”
 
“Turkey’s illegal actions in the maritime zones of Cyprus in violation of international law and of the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Cyprus, constitute a threat to the peace, security and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean region. It is, therefore, vitally important for the international community to voice its concerns against such provocative actions and call for the peaceful settlement of disputes, in accordance with international law,” he pointed out.
 
In this respect, Photiou conveyed “our appreciation to Serbia for publicly expressing last June its principled stance vis-à-vis the international law of the sea and solidarity with Cyprus, as well as its support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, including the sovereign rights of Cyprus to explore and exploit its natural wealth in its EEZ.”
 
In the speech, Photiou reiterated “Cyprus’ unwavering respect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia in line with UN SC Resolution 1244 (1999) and the UN Charter,” noting that “we fully support Serbia’s efforts to reach a mutually acceptable and sustainable solution for Kosovo and Metohija within the EU facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.”
 
“We hope that the Kosovo authorities will promptly lift the tariffs imposed on Serbian imports in November 2018, for the Dialogue to be able to resume as soon as possible,” he said.
 
Furthermore, Photiou assured that “Cyprus will continue to be a strong advocate of Serbia’s European perspective,” noting that “Serbia’s future lies within the EU” and that, “in this long and difficult journey, Serbia can count on the support of Cyprus.”
 
Photiou also referred to the two countries’ “shared vision of international peace and democracy” and noted that “we stand ready to further broaden our ties and tap into the full potential of our partnership, for the benefit of our peoples.”
 
He also said “the presence of a very vibrant Serbian community in Cyprus, which constitutes a substantive component of the Cypriot society, undoubtedly plays a significant role in fulfilling this common goal and is also a fine sample of the true friendship between our two peoples.”
 
Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third