The presence of «Barbaros» off the southeastern coast of Cyprus is a «blatant violation» of the European Union member-state’s sovereign rights, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said today.

Speaking to ANT1 television, Dendias, also said that he had spoken with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and clarified that Greece would support the Republic of Cyprus at any level it wishes.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey has ignored numerous UN resolutions calling for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and respect of the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.

Turkish drill ship “Yavuz” arrived last April in the exclusive economic zone (ΕΕΖ) of Cyprus, after Ankara announced another attempt to drill a well in blocks licensed to European companies. This is the 6th time Turkey attempts to drill within the EEZ and continental shelf of the Republic of Cyprus, this time in an area that covers part of exploration blocks 6 and 7, which have been licensed to ENI and TOTAL.

The Republic of Cyprus has taken steps on various levels in relation to the new Turkish provocations concerning the dispatch of the exploration vessel Barbaros in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In a statement on May 15, EU Foreign Ministers deplored the fact that Turkey has not yet responded to EU calls to cease such activities and reiterated their call on Ankara to show restraint, refrain from such actions, and respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Cyprus, in accordance with international law. EU Foreign Ministers also reaffirmed previous Council and European Council conclusions, notably those of June 2019 and October 2019 on Turkey’s continued illegal activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.